Flood Disaster in South Africa Leaves 49 Dead, Sparks National Mourning

South Africa is reeling after devastating floods killed at least 49 people, including schoolchildren, in one of the country’s worst weather-related tragedies in recent years. The floods were triggered by an intense cold front that swept through parts of the nation, bringing rain, snow, and destruction in its wake.

The Eastern Cape province bore the brunt of the storm, with rising floodwaters displacing residents, cutting electricity, and blocking critical roadways. Many families were forced to flee their homes with little warning as water levels surged rapidly, overwhelming local infrastructure and emergency services.

A particularly tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday morning in Decoligny village, where a school minibus was swept into a river. The vehicle had 13 people onboard, including students, the driver, and his assistant, all headed to school when disaster struck. It quickly became one of the deadliest scenes in the unfolding crisis.

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane confirmed during a press briefing that six people had died in the bus accident—four students, the driver, and the assistant. He added that four others remain missing and that emergency teams are continuing search and recovery operations amid difficult conditions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected, noting that three children had been rescued from the submerged vehicle. The President praised the efforts of the emergency personnel and promised that support would be provided to the grieving families.

Flooding has become increasingly frequent in South Africa, with severe weather events occurring more often in recent years. In 2022, the country witnessed a similar disaster in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, where nearly 400 lives were lost due to torrential rains and flash floods.

As cleanup and recovery efforts continue, officials are urging citizens to remain vigilant. The tragedy has renewed calls for investment in disaster resilience, improved infrastructure, and climate adaptation strategies to prevent similar future losses and ensure better protection for vulnerable communities.