Tragic onset of winter: dozens of dead for floods in South Africa

Tragic onset of winter: dozens of dead for floods in South Africa

In South Africa, serious floods and an atypical onset of winter have led to a humanitarian crisis. More than a dozen people were killed, while the civil protection authorities warn of further dangers. The onset of winter met several provinces, especially the East Cape, where a school bus was carried away by floods, and an unknown number of children is missing. However, three children were saved by adhering to trees. The bus that got on the floods is operated by a member of the South African national taxi, such as Dewezet reported.

In the city of Mthatha, the situation is particularly dramatic: six people died of floods when their houses and cars were flooded. Another body was found near Tsolo. In addition, five people died in a car accident when a minibus overturned after the driver wanted to avoid a tree died onto the street. Disaster protection forces were mobilized to support the affected areas.

exclamation of the disaster

Due to the devastating situation, the South African President's office has proclaimed disaster alarm for seven provinces. Deaths were reported in a total of four of the nine provinces, and the civil protection authority Cogta reports numerous damage. The Kruger National Park, on the border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique, is also severely affected and described as "really bad". Due to the floods, streets, bridges and a hospital were damaged, which significantly limits mobility and care for the population. Reports from DW The park is currently under flood, which is currently led to evacuations of several camps.

The persistent violent rains caused by a cold in the middle of summer should also continue for the rest of the week. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warns that further floods are likely due to the soaked soil.

Future forecasts and challenges

The situation is exacerbated by the existing str can, since many citizens only have a limited access to electricity. The government plans to provide emergency accommodation and food for homeless people as well as a large -scale reconstruction of the destroyed infrastructure. Experts point out that due to climate change in the future, more extreme weather conditions can be expected, as in a report by SPIEGEL is explained.

In addition, the neighboring Mozambique has proclaimed the disaster due to the floods. Around 40,000 people are affected and President Filipe Nyusi reported on many flooded houses and destroyed schools. This multicris situation requires urgent action by the authorities in both South Africa and Mozambique.