In South Africa, the worst weather conditions and heavier-than-expected snowfall have resulted in 12 deaths, leaving 500,000 homes without electricity.
According to a BBC News report, Eastern Cape provincial spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie stated that a bus carrying schoolchildren was swept away by floodwaters. However, it remains unclear how many children were on the bus, though three have been rescued so far. Rescue operations were suspended due to nightfall.
In another incident, the bodies of seven people who were swept away by floodwaters were recovered in the OR Tambo district of the province. South Africa has recently faced severe snowfall, heavy rains, and strong winds, which led to another road accident claiming five lives and cutting off electricity to nearly 500,000 households.
The Eastern Cape, the birthplace of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, has been the hardest hit by these icy conditions, along with the KwaZulu-Natal province. Due to the severe weather, some major roads in both provinces have been closed to prevent further loss of life.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said in a statement, “This is a devastating reminder of the power of nature. We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution in flood-prone areas.”
Five people died when a minibus overturned near the coastal city of East London. Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose told the BBC that the driver lost control while trying to avoid a fallen tree. Two others were injured in the accident.
According to the state power utility Eskom, nearly 300,000 homes in 14 towns and villages in the Eastern Cape have been left without electricity.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena reported that an additional 196,000 households in 24 areas are also without power. The provincial Transport Minister, Xolile Nqatha, stated that heavy snowfall has left large vehicles stranded on roads, causing major traffic disruptions.
