At least 49 people have died in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province after heavy rains and severe winter weather triggered widespread flooding, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The largely rural region, which stretches from the Indian Ocean into inland mountain ranges, has been battered by relentless rain and snow since the weekend.
Among the victims were four children who drowned when their school minibus was swept away by floodwaters. "Sadly, four learners have been confirmed deceased, along with the driver and the conductor," said Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane. Four other students remain missing, while three were rescued alive.
Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as search operations continue. Mabuyane described the disaster as unprecedented, citing the simultaneous occurrence of heavy snow and torrential rains—a phenomenon rarely seen during South Africa’s winter.
With only one helicopter available for rescue missions in the province, Mabuyane appealed for additional support. "We need more resources. We have never experienced disasters like this, but now it’s inevitable with climate change and global warming," he told public broadcaster SABC News.
Images from affected areas show submerged informal settlements, collapsed infrastructure, and displaced families seeking refuge in community centers. Provincial officials reported severe damage to power and water systems, further complicating relief efforts.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the crisis, stating that emergency services, including the National Disaster Management Centre, were mobilizing to address the situation. "Harsh winter conditions remain life-threatening," he said, urging citizens to exercise caution.
The South African Weather Service has extended warnings for extreme winter conditions, including snow, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, through midweek. While winter storms are not uncommon in the region, experts link the increasing severity of such events to climate change. According to the Green Climate Fund, South Africa faces heightened risks of droughts, floods, and wildfires due to shifting weather patterns.
As recovery efforts continue, hundreds of displaced residents remain in temporary shelters, with officials assessing the full extent of the damage.