Eastern Cape floods: 9 dead, 11 children missing as cold front batters province

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NATIONAL NEWS AND VIDEO - The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has activated its disaster management teams in response to the severe cold front and associated weather conditions that have struck the province since Monday.

SA News reports that the provincial government, in a statement issued yesterday, confirmed that emergency response teams have been dispatched to various areas and are working around the clock to provide critical support to communities impacted by heavy rainfall, strong winds and snowfall.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Alert Level 6, warning of disruptive snowfall in high-lying regions of the province, potential road closures, flooding and possible power interruptions.

Several roads have been affected by the heavy rains, including the R61 from Mthatha to Ngcobo and the N2 to Kokstad near Emakhaphetshwini outside Mthatha.

Damages have also been reported to homes in the OR Tambo, Joe Gqabi, and Sarah Baartman districts, as well as in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

Rescue teams were dispatched to bolster rescue efforts along the R61 outside Mthatha, where three children were stuck in a tree. The children have since been rescued.

The provincial government also confirmed that roads such as Wapadsberg Pass, along the R61 between Nxuba and Graaff-Reinet, have been blanketed in snow, prompting a warning to motorists to drive with extreme caution.

“The provincial government’s primary objective is to safeguard lives and infrastructure during this extreme weather event. Community members are advised to remain alert, monitor official updates, and strictly follow safety directives,” the provincial government said.

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential travel, as well as travelling through flood-prone and mountainous areas.

Barkly Pass is closed. Photo: Facebook | Chris Hani District Municipality

He also urged citizens to immediately report hazards, such as downed power lines and road accidents, to the nearest authorities.

“Our disaster teams are on high alert and ready to respond wherever assistance is needed. We urge the public to stay cautious and prioritise safety above all else.

“Government is fully mobilised, co-ordinating closely with local municipalities and emergency services to manage the impact of the weather system and support those affected,” Mabuyane said.

VIDEO: Loads of snow at the top of Sani Pass in Lesotho this morning.

Watch the video here.

The Witness meanwhile reports that the death toll from flooding in eastern parts of South Africa has risen to nine as rescuers search for children missing after a minibus was swept away, the local government said earlier today.

The Citizen reported that the vehicle was found this morning after floodwaters receded, but 11 children are still missing.

Heavy snowfall and storms have affected areas of the Eastern Cape, with the entire country experiencing extreme winter weather conditions since last week.

Torrential rains in the OR Tambo district have now claimed nine lives, a statement from the local government said, raising an earlier toll of seven.