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South Africa hit by floods

6/12/25

The Eastern Cape province in South Africa has been hit by floods that have already killed five dozen people. The wild water also swept away a bus carrying students. Local authorities have launched a search operation and officials say the death toll will continue to rise.

Photo:Depositphotos

The severe flooding in South Africa was triggered by an extremely cold front that brought torrential rains and snow to parts of the country. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane assured residents that the search for all missing people was ongoing. The situation is unclear and search teams, including police, are gradually combing the affected area.

One of the most tragic events of this year's floods in South Africa is undoubtedly the death of six high school students who were swept away when their school bus was swept away by floodwaters near a river. A search is ongoing for four more students. The school bus that was swept away was found on Wednesday, but it was empty. Three students were saved by grabbing onto trees.

Torrential rains also hit neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province over the weekend, with rescue teams on standby in parts of southern and southeastern South Africa. Authorities are also reporting frequent power outages affecting many homes.

Floods in South Africa have already damaged at least 58 schools and 20 hospitals. More than 500 residents have been moved to temporary shelters as flash floods have inundated their homes.

Meteorologists warned of an exceptionally strong weather front in advance, and shortly after, the worst predictions came true. This year's flooding in South Africa is unprecedented, even according to the premier of the Eastern Cape. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the affected families in a statement.

Source:Aljazeera