By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The death toll following the torrential rain and severe weather conditions in the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape has risen to nine.
Fullview yesterday reported that six bodies were found in Decoligny village in Mthatha, while a seventh body was recovered at Tsolo near the Bedlana River.
Around 10 pm two more bodies were reported to have been recovered, with three pupils surviving the minibus incident.
Provincial government spokesperson, Yonela Dekeda, says a combined multi-disciplinary Emergency Services team has been established. It continues to search for a school bus that was swept away with school children near Lusikisiki on Tuesday.
She says the search was suspended and will resume on Wednesday.
Shortly after schools issued their warning, a 22-seater scholar transport bus en route to Jumba Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape was swept away by rising water at the Efata Bridge.
“Eyewitnesses at the scene reported seeing at least three (children) clinging to trees and calling for help,” SANTACO said. “The three have since been rescued.”
Premier Oscar Mabuyane has mobilised provincial resources to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. Emergency services are actively working on the ground to assess the situation, provide aid to those in need, and ensure the safety of residents in the hardest-hit areas.
Another five people were killed in a car crash in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday when a minibus taxi overturned, according to provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose. He said the driver of the minibus was attempting to avoid a tree that had fallen onto the road.
The South African Weather Service has forecast several days of disruptive rain and snow for the Eastern Cape and the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province along the east coast.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to exercise caution during these inclement weather conditions.
Ramaphosa said the national, provincial, and municipal authorities were ready to respond to any other crises.
“These incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlight the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country.”