Mthatha, Eastern Cape – Rescue teams will resume their search today for 11 missing individuals after a minibus carrying schoolchildren and adults was swept away by floodwaters in Decoligny yesterday.
The vehicle, transporting 13 learners and three adults, was caught in raging waters when the nearby river overflowed. Three learners were rescued after clinging to trees, but the fate of the remaining passengers remains unknown.
Tragedy Unfolds Amid Flood Chaos
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the minibus was engulfed by the surging river. A reporter on the scene recounted the harrowing moment a woman was swept away after losing her grip on a tree, screaming that she saw a snake before disappearing into the current.
Frantic parents and stranded schoolchildren watched helplessly as emergency responders struggled to reach those trapped. The river, normally shallow, had transformed into a deadly force, swallowing vehicles and homes in its path.
Officials Confirm Death Toll, Blame Illegal Settlements
MEC Zolle Williams, the Eastern Cape MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, confirmed that eight people have been confirmed dead, while 10 remain missing. He attributed the disaster to illegal settlements built in flood-prone areas, disregarding municipal zoning laws.
“There was complete disregard of the zoning process,” Williams said. “Houses were constructed below the flood line, and despite our level five weather warnings, these communities were severely affected.”
Search and rescue operations resumed at 7:00 AM today, with teams battling ongoing adverse weather conditions that have hampered communication and recovery efforts.
Weather Worsens, Hindering Rescue Efforts
Heavy rains continue to disrupt signals and access routes, complicating rescue missions. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate as further flooding is expected.
The tragedy has left the community of Mthatha in mourning, with many questioning whether stricter enforcement of building regulations could have prevented the disaster.
Updates to follow as the situation develops.