2025-06-12 12:00:41.14

The death toll from devastating floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has tragically risen to 57, according to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. The flooding, described as a "real disaster and a catastrophe" by the minister, has impacted the town of Mthatha and surrounding areas. Rescue teams are continuing their search for missing individuals, including four high school students swept away when their bus was caught in the floodwaters. Six students on the bus perished, while three survived by clinging to trees. The floods, resulting from an extreme cold front bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, have caused extensive damage. At least 58 schools and 20 hospitals have been damaged, leaving hundreds of families homeless. Critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has also been severely affected. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has activated the National Disaster Management Center to aid local authorities, and he is scheduled to visit the affected area. The Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, has stated that this is one of the worst weather-related disasters the province has ever faced.