At least 49 people dead after strong cold front and floods in Eastern Cape, South Africa

At least 49 people have died in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa due to the effects of a strong winter storm system that brought heavy rainfall, localized flooding, snowfall, and high winds between June 7 and 10. Provincial authorities confirmed the revised death toll on June 11.

Among the deceased were eight individuals involved in a school bus incident near the town of Mthatha, where the vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded bridge.

The victims included six high school students, a driver, and a conductor. Another four students remain missing as of June 11, while three were rescued after clinging to trees. The vehicle was later recovered, but rescue operations continue with limited aerial support.

The hardest-hit regions include the OR Tambo and Amathole districts. In Mthatha and surrounding areas, homes were submerged, roads damaged, and vehicles carried away.

At least 58 shools and 20 hospitals suffered extensive damage while many roads and bridges collapsed or were submerged. Entire neighborhoods, especially in informal settlements, were inundated, leaving hundreds of families homeless.

Critical facilities, such as the Butterworth Water Treatment Works, were rendered inoperative, cutting water supply to large areas and forcing over 500 residents into temporary shelters.

Power outages disrupted electricity for approximately 300  000 to 500 000 homes, according to Eskom and provincial officials.

Severe damage was also reported to key mountain passes, including Barkly Pass, Wapadsberg Pass, and sections of the N2 and R61, hampering rescue operations and isolating remote communities.

The system brought widespread snowfall, rain exceeding 100 mm (3.9 inches) in some areas, and wind gusts nearing 100 km/h (62 mph).

Locations such as Barkly East, Rhodes, and Elliot recorded over 50 cm (20 inches) of snow between June 7 and 10, while mid-altitude mountain passes, including Barkly Pass, received between 25 cm and 50 cm (10–20 inches).

Multiple roadways, including sections of the N2 and R61 as well as Barkly Pass and Wapadsberg Pass, were closed due to flooding and snow.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has been activated, and provincial authorities, including Premier Oscar Mabuyane, have coordinated response efforts. A Joint Operations Centre was set up in OR Tambo to manage the emergency. President Cyril Ramaphosa issued public condolences and affirmed the national government’s support.

Search and recovery operations are still in progress.