Eastern Cape, South Africa – A school minibus carrying children has been swept away by flash floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, according to a government spokesperson. The incident occurred amid widespread severe weather that is impacting large parts of the country.
Khuselwa Rantjie, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape provincial government, told the BBC that the number of children on board is still unknown. However, three children have been found alive so far. Rescue operations have been temporarily halted due to nightfall and are expected to resume on Wednesday.
KZN – #ColdFront N2 Route: Kokstad / Harding #Snow #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/QgZESpt7Lm
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) June 10, 2025
Seven Bodies Recovered in Separate Flood Incident
In a separate flooding incident, the bodies of seven individuals swept away by floodwaters were discovered in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape.
South Africa is currently experiencing a combination of heavy snowfall, torrential rain, and gale-force winds, resulting in at least five additional fatalities from a road accident and widespread damage to infrastructure.
Eastern Cape – #FLOODING between Mqanduli and Elliotdale #ColdFront #Weather pic.twitter.com/FmlPmjEMad
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) June 10, 2025
Power Outages Affect Nearly 500,000 Homes
The extreme weather has triggered major electricity outages, with Eskom confirming nearly 500,000 homes are currently without power. In the Eastern Cape alone, approximately 300,000 homes across 14 towns and villages are affected. An additional 196,000 homes in 24 areas of KwaZulu-Natal have also lost electricity, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena reported.
[WATCH] Heavy snowfall and storms have disrupted many activities in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape. All passes on the western side of the province have been opened, while the Barkly Pass and the areas bordering KwaZulu-Natal are still closed. Motorists are warned not to… pic.twitter.com/Bt5mrvkPiD
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 10, 2025
Icy Conditions and Road Closures Across Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal
The Eastern Cape, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, has been one of the hardest-hit regions, along with KwaZulu-Natal. Authorities have closed several major roads to prevent further casualties.
In one tragic incident, five people died when a minibus taxi overturned near East London. According to transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose, the driver lost control while trying to avoid a fallen tree. Two more individuals were injured in the crash.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport Minister Siboniso Duma said heavy snowfalls have also left trucks stranded, creating traffic congestion. Grader machines have been deployed to clear snow, which has reached depths of over 30cm (12in) in some areas.
Weather experts are also warning of strong winds and dangerous sea conditions, making navigation hazardous for ships along South Africa’s eastern coastline.
Climate Change Blamed for Increasingly Extreme Weather
Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela confirmed that South Africa often experiences snow and sub-zero temperatures during its winter season from June to August. However, scientists warn that climate change is leading to heavier rainfall and more frequent flash floods.
Between April 30 and May 2, intense flooding damaged around 4,500 homes and left 18 people injured.
“This is a devastating reminder of nature’s force,” said Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane. “We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution, especially in flood-prone areas.”
[WATCH] Houses submerged and roads closed as severe weather and torrential rains batter the Eastern Cape. SABC News Reporter Fundiswa brings you the latest updates. pic.twitter.com/dHG5uE5aqC
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 10, 2025
Cold conditions are expected to persist across southeastern South Africa on June 11 and 12, with isolated showers likely along the east coast under cloudy skies. Although the overall intensity of the weather system is easing, the lingering cold may continue to pose risks in certain areas.
