Tragedy in Mthatha as death toll rises amid devastating floods
by Mathipa Phishego
Following devastating floods that devastated communities around the province, Mthatha emerged as one of the most severely affected areas in the Eastern Cape. After days of nonstop rain, snow, and wind pounded the province under a strong cold front, at least 49 people were confirmed dead as of Thursday morning, and more are thought to be missing.
The killing of six kids, whose remains were retrieved when a scholar transport minibus was washed away by rushing floodwaters earlier this week near the Efata Bridge in Decoligny, Mthatha, is one of the most horrific events. As a sobering reminder of the lives lost on what should have been a typical school day, the children were discovered still wearing their uniforms.
After an all-night effort by volunteers, locals, and emergency services, search and rescue crews found the children’s corpses early on Wednesday morning. Four other youngsters are still missing, while three others survived by clinging to trees nearby. Among the deceased were the conductor and bus driver. A local neighbor Nomsa Mdingi, who participated in the search, was filled with emotion. When she told reporters, “This is heartbreaking, these children are the children of our Neighbours. Our hearts are broken.”
The recent floods in Mthata affecting few communities and claiming more than 40 lives
image: supplied
At the recovery scene, community members gathered in mourning, many of them crying as they tried to comprehend the tragedy’s scope. Parents have been clearly distressed, with some still looking for their lost children. Premier of the Eastern Cape Oscar Mabuyane has called the situation “dire” because to the extensive infrastructural damage. Flood devastation has left hundreds of houses without electricity, while at least 58 schools and 20 hospitals have been completely destroyed or seriously damaged.
The Department of Basic Education has sent its regrets and warned drivers of student transports to be extremely cautious during bad weather. It also underlined the necessity of regulating and appropriately licensing school transport vehicles, particularly in underserved and rural areas. “We can not afford to lose any more kids because of preventable safety mistakes. There must be stricter oversight,” said Mabuyane.
Concerns regarding the vulnerability of school children in rural areas who depend on barely regulated transport have been rekindled by the incident. Given the growing hazards, MEC Matome Chiloane of the Gauteng Education Department unveiled fresh plans to crack down on unethical private scholar transport methods. “We must ensure that no child’s life is endangered on the road to school,” Chiloane said.
These floods are one of the biggest natural disasters in South Africa’s recent history. As of right now, 49 people have died in the province, and that number could increase as rescue operations continue. Due to damaged roads and bridges, several locations are still inaccessible. Climate change has been blamed by officials for the deteriorating flooding pattern, citing the increasing frequency of catastrophic weather events in South Africa.
Rescue crews continue the gruelling process of finding the missing while Mthatha grieves. Residents have been advised by local officials to avoid flooded areas and to monitor official channels for updates. Relief agencies are trying to give the hundreds of people who have been affected by the floods temporary housing and supplies.
However, the road to recovery will be a long one. For families in Deco Ligny and other flood-affected areas of the province. If the floods have affected you or someone you know, please call 0800 222 111 to reach the Eastern Cape Disaster Management Centre.
