Floods in South Africa Eastern Cape Kill 49, Displace Hundreds

Severe flooding and heavy snowfall in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, caused by an extreme cold front, have resulted in at least 49 deaths, including several schoolchildren whose bus was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane reported that 13 people were on the bus, with some rescued, some deceased, and others still missing, while search and recovery efforts continue. The floods have displaced hundreds of residents, damaged critical infrastructure including schools and hospitals, and caused widespread power outages affecting nearly half a million homes. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences and assured government assistance, with national disaster agencies collaborating with local authorities. The disaster has been described as one of the worst to strike the province, highlighting the increasing severity of such weather events amid climate change. Emergency response teams remain active to support affected communities and restore services.