At least 90 people, including 30 children, have been confirmed dead following catastrophic flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, the local government said on Monday.

The devastating floods, which struck the region last week, have left rescue teams racing against time to locate additional victims amid scenes of widespread destruction. Officials say the disaster has displaced thousands, overwhelmed infrastructure, and laid bare the vulnerability of one of the country’s most impoverished areas.

Among the dead are six children who were swept away when a school bus was engulfed by the rising waters. Three other students survived by clinging to nearby trees, officials confirmed.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the affected region last week, described the flooding as a "catastrophic disaster," directly attributing the extreme weather to the growing impact of climate change. Local reports indicate that floodwaters reached heights of more than four metres (13 feet), devastating homes and infrastructure in their path.

The city of Mthatha, situated approximately 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Johannesburg, bore the brunt of the flooding. Landslides triggered by the heavy rainfall further exacerbated the damage, leaving large parts of the region inaccessible.

According to provincial authorities, at least 2,686 residents have been rendered homeless and are currently sheltering in temporary accommodation centres. Emergency services remain stretched, with reports highlighting critical shortages in rescue equipment and personnel.

Efforts to provide food, medical aid, and support to affected communities are ongoing. The Eastern Cape government, alongside national authorities, has pledged continued assistance as the region begins the long road to recovery.

Climate experts warn that such extreme weather events are likely to increase in frequency and severity due to global climate change, posing significant risks to vulnerable communities across southern Africa.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as the rescue and relief operations continue. (ILKHA)