Death toll rises to 9 in Eastern Cape floods in South Africa

CAPE TOWN - At least nine people have died due to heavy floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, local authorities said Wednesday morning.

According to a statement issued by the Eastern Cape provincial government, two more bodies have been recovered, bringing the death toll following the torrential rain and severe weather conditions from seven to nine.

Provincial government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie told Xinhua that three school children have so far been found alive after a minibus was swept away on Tuesday.

"A combined multi-disciplinary Emergency Services team has been established and continues to search for the school bus," the statement said, adding that the search was suspended on Tuesday night due to poor conditions but resumed early on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, according to the statement, hundreds of people have been displaced and relocated in the region. Power outages have also been reported in some areas due to the torrential rains, which resulted in "significant damage to property and infrastructure".

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane said that he has mobilized provincial resources to assist with rescue and recovery efforts, with emergency services 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.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives in the incidents in Eastern Cape, urging caution, care and cooperation during severe winter conditions.

"The devastation that comes with nature's forces demands that we work together as best we can to bring relief to families and communities who need this the most," he said.