On June 10, 2025, South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province was hit by catastrophic flooding that swept away a minibus carrying schoolchildren, contributing to a death toll of at least nine and plunging nearly 500,000 homes into darkness. The region, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, along with neighboring KwaZulu-Natal, faces severe winter storms marked by heavy rain, gale-force winds, and snow, exacerbating the crisis. Rescue operations for the missing schoolchildren are ongoing, offering a glimmer of hope amidst amidst tragedy.
A minibus carrying an unspecified number of schoolchildren was swept away by flash floods near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape Province on Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025. Eastern Cape government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie confirmed that three children were rescued after clinging to trees for hours, but the fate of the remaining passengers remains unknown. Rescue efforts were halted at nightfall due to dangerous conditions but resumed on Wednesday, June 11, with divers scouring the affected areas. The exact number of children aboard has not been disclosed, adding to the anguish of families awaiting news.
In a separate incident in the OR Tambo District, seven people were found dead after being carried away by floodwaters, underscoring the storm’s deadly impact. Additionally, five fatalities occurred when a minibus taxi overturned near the coastal city of East London, where the driver lost control while attempting to swerve around a fallen tree, according to Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose. Two others were injured in this accident. By Wednesday, the death toll had risen to nine, with two more bodies recovered in Mthatha, as reported by local authorities.
The Eastern Cape has borne the brunt of the severe weather, with an Orange Level 9 warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for disruptive rain, leading to widespread flooding, road closures, and infrastructure damage. KwaZulu-Natal has also been significantly affected, with heavy snow trapping lorries and causing massive traffic disruptions. Premier Oscar Mabuyane urged residents to exercise extreme caution, calling the events “a stark reminder of nature’s force.”
The storm left nearly 700,000 homes without electricity, with state utility Eskom reporting 300,000 households affected across 14 towns and villages in the Eastern Cape and 196,000 in 24 areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Spokesperson Daphne Mokwena indicated that restoration efforts are underway, but full recovery will take days due to the scale of the damage, including in areas like Mthatha, Qumbu, and Butterworth. Community halls have been opened to shelter displaced families, as floodwaters submerged homes and disrupted essential services.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport Minister Siboniso Duma noted that grader machines are clearing snow up to 30 cm deep on major roads to alleviate congestion caused by stranded vehicles. Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela warned of strong winds and high waves, complicating maritime navigation and adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams.
South Africa’s winter months, from June to August, typically bring snowfall and flooding, but scientists attribute the increasing severity to climate change, which amplifies rainfall intensity. The Eastern Cape, a coastal region, is particularly vulnerable, as seen in earlier floods between April 30 and May 2, 2025, which damaged 4,500 homes and injured 18 people. A October 2024 floods claimed 10 lives and displaced over 3,000 in the province, signaling a troubling pattern of recurring disasters.
The recent storm’s widespread impact, including road closures and power outages, has prompted comparisons to a November 2024 national disaster that affected multiple provinces. The ongoing crisis highlights the need for stronger infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, as communities struggle to recover.
As rescue operations continue in Mthatha, the missing schoolchildren, authorities are under pressure to provide answers and prevent further loss of life. The Eastern Cape’s government has deployed additional resources, including divers, to search for the missing, while humanitarian organizations like Gift of the Givers are assisting displaced families. Social media posts on X reflect public concern, with users urging swift action and sharing updates on the tragedy’s toll.
Premier Mabuyane’s call for caution resonates as South Africans rally to support affected communities. The government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure damage and supporting displaced residents will be critical in the coming days, as the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal brace for potential further worsening conditions under the Orange Level 9 warning.
The Eastern Cape’s resilience, rooted in its historical and cultural significance as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, faces a severe test. The tragedy of the swept-away schoolchildren and the broader loss of life serve as a somber reminder of the urgent need for climate adaptation measures. As rescue efforts persist, the nation holds its breath, for those still missing, hoping for survivors amidst the devastation.
Leave a comment