Floods killed at least 78 people across South Africa's Eastern Cape province during the past three days. Heavy rains caused a river to burst early Tuesday morning and sweep through sleeping communities. Water reached 3 to 4 meters high and destroyed homes and cars around Mthatha town. Oscar Mabuyane leads the province and called the disaster terrible timing. Rescue teams continue searching for missing people among the debris.
The poor region struggled to respond effectively because of limited resources. Eastern Cape province has only one rescue helicopter that traveled over 500 kilometers from Gqeberha city. Authorities had to bring specialist divers and search dogs from other areas. Mabuyane said the province always lacks proper equipment during emergencies. The disaster left rescue efforts paralyzed during critical first hours.
Four high school students disappeared when floodwater caught their school bus Tuesday morning. Six other students died along with the driver and another adult passenger. Three students survived after climbing trees and calling for help. Officials have not confirmed whether the four missing children were found among recent bodies. Search operations will continue Friday morning.
President Cyril Ramaphosa plans to visit the affected areas Friday to console families. The floods damaged 127 schools and 20 health facilities across the province. Around 1,000 people moved into community shelters after losing their homes. Roads and bridges suffered serious damage throughout the region.
The poor region struggled to respond effectively because of limited resources. Eastern Cape province has only one rescue helicopter that traveled over 500 kilometers from Gqeberha city. Authorities had to bring specialist divers and search dogs from other areas. Mabuyane said the province always lacks proper equipment during emergencies. The disaster left rescue efforts paralyzed during critical first hours.
Four high school students disappeared when floodwater caught their school bus Tuesday morning. Six other students died along with the driver and another adult passenger. Three students survived after climbing trees and calling for help. Officials have not confirmed whether the four missing children were found among recent bodies. Search operations will continue Friday morning.
President Cyril Ramaphosa plans to visit the affected areas Friday to console families. The floods damaged 127 schools and 20 health facilities across the province. Around 1,000 people moved into community shelters after losing their homes. Roads and bridges suffered serious damage throughout the region.
