Cape Town – Saba
South Africa announced on Thursday that the death toll from flooding in the country's eastern province has risen to 78.
A South African minister said on Thursday evening that "the death toll from heavy flooding in the Eastern Cape province this week has risen to 78, and the number may rise as search and rescue operations continue," according to Reuters.
Parts of South Africa have experienced heavy rain and snowfall since the weekend amid a severe winter cold snap that has disrupted transport and electricity networks.
Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said in a press conference on Wednesday that "the death toll has risen to 49."
It is noteworthy that floods had previously swept away a school bus near Mthatha, carrying 13 students and two adults.
A regional safety official said that "eight bodies were recovered," adding that the report he received indicated that "six people on board the bus were found dead, and four are still missing."
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