Severe Flooding Hits Eastern Cape
Tragedy has struck the Eastern Cape as severe floods, brought on by relentless heavy rains, continue to wreak havoc across the province. One of the most heart-wrenching incidents occurred in Mthatha, where a minibus taxi carrying school learners was swept into a river on Tuesday in the Decoligny area. The vehicle, which was missing since the flooding, has now been recovered by authorities.
Ongoing Search for Missing Learners
According to reports from provincial officials, the minibus was transporting 13 learners from Jumba Senior Secondary School. The children were on their way to school when the tragic event unfolded. The Education MEC provided further details, stating that the driver of the minibus, upon reaching the flooded bridge, assessed the danger and contacted the bus owner to report that it was unsafe to cross. Unfortunately, while the group was standing on the bridge, it suddenly collapsed, causing the vehicle, along with the learners, to be swept away by the raging waters.
As of Wednesday, search and rescue operations are ongoing in the area, with divers returning to continue scouring the river for any signs of the missing children. The provincial government has confirmed that nine people have already lost their lives due to the recent flooding, raising fears of further fatalities as the search for the learners continues.
Community Engagement and Rescue Efforts
The situation has left the community in shock, and efforts to establish the exact number of missing children are still underway. Khuselwa Rantjie, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape provincial government, explained that while 13 learners were reported to be on the bus, the exact count remains uncertain. Authorities have engaged with local school communities and councillors to gather information from families who may have missing children.
“We are working closely with the affected schools and community leaders to confirm the exact number of learners involved. Divers are back on site today to assist with search operations,” Rantjie stated.
Wider Impact of the Floods
The floods have caused widespread destruction across the Eastern Cape, with infrastructure damage, collapsed bridges, and communities left stranded. Many families have been displaced, and emergency services remain on high alert as more rain is predicted in the coming days.
This tragic incident has not only highlighted the dangers posed by extreme weather but also exposed the vulnerabilities of rural communities when it comes to infrastructure. Collapsing bridges and poor road conditions make daily commutes hazardous, especially for school children who often rely on public or private transport to attend schools situated far from their homes.
Conclusion
As the rescue teams work tirelessly to locate the missing learners, the incident has sparked renewed calls for improved infrastructure and better disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities. For now, the community of Mthatha waits anxiously for any news of the missing learners while mourning those already lost to the devastating floods.
