Search for Missing Schoolchildren Resumes After Flooding Tragedy in Eastern Cape

Rescue teams are back on the scene in Eastern Cape, South Africa, as they search for schoolchildren missing after their bus was overtaken by flood waters.

The rescue operations resumed in South Africa's Eastern Cape on Wednesday morning following a tragic incident where a bus carrying schoolchildren was swept away by severe flooding. The children were en route to school in Mthatha when disaster struck on Tuesday as the bus attempted to cross a bridge. Officials confirmed that while three students have been rescued, there has been uncertainty about the total number of children on board. The bus has since been discovered abandoned on a riverbank, with reports from Newzroom Afrika alleging that the bodies of at least 10 children and the driver have been recovered further down the river.

Public broadcaster SABC reported that the rescued children were found clinging to branches, illustrating the perilous situation they faced. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the affected area to oversee the rescue efforts and to support the community, expressing a cautious optimism regarding the response from emergency services.

The recent severe weather in South Africa has been attributed to heavy snowfall, torrential rain, and gale-force winds, leading to at least 14 fatalities—nine from floods and five due to a separate road incident. An estimated 500,000 homes were left without power during this extreme weather event, with Eskom, the national power provider, actively working to restore services.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to grieving families and urged citizens to exercise extreme caution as the winter weather continues to pose significant risks. The Eastern Cape region, notable for being the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, along with KwaZulu-Natal, has been hardest hit by the icy conditions, prompting road closures in hopes of preventing additional casualties.

For more updates on the situation, follow coverage from BBC Africa on social media platforms.