Eastern Cape Floods: 9 dead, school bus missing, town without water

The Eastern Cape is picking up the pieces following devastating weather conditions that left nine people dead, a school bus missing, and the town without water. 

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane has expressed his deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones. 

"The loss of life is a tragedy that affects us all, and my thoughts and prayers are with those grieving."

The Eastern Cape Provincial government said the OR Tambo District Municipality was mostly affected.

"Over the past two days, the relentless downpours have led to devastating flooding and landslides, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage to property and infrastructure."

They said there were ongoing efforts to search for the school bus that was swept away on Tuesday morning. 

"The search was suspended on Tuesday night and was scheduled to resume today." 

Hundreds of people have been displaced, with 200 people from the Sikiti Informal Settlement relocated to AB Bam Primary School. 

There has been significant damage to the Butterworth Water Treatment Works, where pumps and some electrical control panels have been submerged in water.

As a result, the treatment works are currently unable to produce water. 

The government said an assessment is underway with urgent repairs in the pipeline. 

SASSA and the Department of Social Development are on the ground providing hot meals and essentials to those housed in temporary shelters. 

In light of this disaster, Mabuyane said they had mobilised provincial resources to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. 

"We are coordinating with local municipalities and disaster management teams to respond effectively to this emergency. Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens." 

On Tuesday, the N2 had been closed near Kokstad following snow. Five people were also killed in a taxi crash. 

In KwaZulu-Natal, gusty winds caused significant damage throughout the province. 

Emergency workers had their hands full clearing fallen trees and attending to roof's that had blown away. 

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