The death toll from the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape has climbed to 49, Premier Oscar Mabuyane confirmed yesterday, describing the situation as one of the most painful tragedies to hit the province in recent years.
The floods, driven by relentless rain, strong winds, and landslides, have wreaked havoc, particularly across the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities.
Mabuyane confirmed that 39 deaths had occurred in the OR Tambo District alone, including schoolchildren who were swept away in a flooded minibus taxi.
“The number of people confirmed to have been in the minibus is 13 learners with two adults, the driver and the assistant,” Mabuyane said. “Sadly, four of those learners have been confirmed to be deceased, together with the driver and the conductor of the minibus taxi. Four…