South African rescue teams intensified their search efforts on Thursday after devastating floods swept through the Eastern Cape province, claiming at least 49 lives and leaving several people still missing.

The disaster struck on Monday when torrential rains combined with freezing temperatures hit the largely rural and underdeveloped region, submerging homes and causing widespread destruction.

Children Among the Victims

Among the confirmed casualties were at least four children who were traveling in a school minibus that was swept away by floodwaters. The vehicle was carrying 11 children when the tragedy occurred.

"We have never seen this kind of combination of snow and torrential rains in winter simultaneously," said Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, the province's top official.

According to authorities, six people from the minibus—four children and two adults—have been confirmed dead, while three children were found alive. Four children remain unaccounted for as search operations continue.

In a separate incident, a boy died after being swept away by floodwaters while walking to school.

Massive Displacement and Infrastructure Damage

Eastern Cape government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie confirmed that five teams are involved in search and rescue operations around Mthatha, approximately 800 kilometers south of Johannesburg.

"We may have more people unaccounted for," Rantjie warned, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty about the full extent of the disaster.

The provincial government reported that at least 600 people have been displaced by the floods, with many now seeking shelter in community halls. The disaster has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, disrupting power and water supplies. At least 20 health facilities have been affected.

The Eastern Cape, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, is among South Africa's poorest provinces, with approximately 72 percent of its population living below the poverty line, according to the Southern African Regional Poverty Network.

President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement assuring that emergency services, including the National Disaster Management Centre, were "giving the requisite attention to crises as they unfold."

As rescue operations continue, authorities remain concerned about the possibility of finding more victims in the affected areas.

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