South Africa Mourns 49 Lives Lost in Catastrophic Floods and School Bus Tragedy

A devastating wave of flooding in South Africa has resulted in the deaths of at least 49 people, including schoolchildren. Officials reported that a school bus carrying pupils and staff was swept into a river amid the relentless rains. The extreme weather is part of a strong cold front that has brought widespread damage and heartbreak across multiple provinces.

In the Eastern Cape, one of the hardest-hit regions, floodwaters inundated neighborhoods, causing power outages and making roads impassable. Many families were forced to leave their homes in search of safer ground. The local government has deployed emergency crews to aid in evacuations and provide assistance to displaced residents.

The tragic school bus incident occurred in Decoligny village early Tuesday morning. The vehicle, en route to school, was caught in the rushing waters and dragged into a river. According to officials, 13 individuals were on board, including students, the driver, and his assistant, at the time of the disaster.

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane confirmed that six of the bus occupants had died, including four children. The driver and his conductor also perished in the incident. Rescue teams have been scouring the area for the four others who remain missing, continuing efforts despite the challenging conditions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office released a statement offering condolences to grieving families and confirmed that three children were rescued from the submerged vehicle. The President acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders and pledged continued support to the affected communities.

Flooding has become a recurring threat in South Africa in recent years. In 2022, nearly 400 people died following record rainfall and floods in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. Authorities warn that climate change may be contributing to the increasing frequency and severity of such disasters.

As recovery efforts proceed, officials are urging residents to stay alert and adhere to weather advisories. The recent floods have not only claimed lives but also exposed weaknesses in infrastructure and emergency preparedness, prompting renewed calls for investment in disaster risk reduction across South Africa.