Kids Caught in the Storm: Over 80 Dead, Count Still Climbing in South African Floods
Rise in fatalities persists due to South Africa's floods
Let's get down to it: The fatalities from the catastrophic floods sweeping through South Africa's Eastern Cape have soared past 80 - with at least 86 known casualties confirmed by South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on the weekend. And here's the hard truth - innocent children aren't escaping this disaster unscathed. Reports suggest that at least six munchkins were on that bus that got washed away by the floods.
You might ask, "What's the city heating up like?" Well, Mthatha, roughly 800 kilometers south of the bustling Johannesburg, has taken a severe beating. To be frank, our President Cyril Ramaphosa recently dropped by the devastated region and called it a "catastrophic disaster" caused by climate change. The floodwaters reached a gut-wrenching height of four meters. Thousands of homes, roads, schools, and healthcare centers are currently drowning in mud.
The UN Climate Fund Green Climate Fund warns that South Africa is a prime target for the drastic effects of climate change. It raises the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Although snow and heavy rain are common winter companions in South Africa, it seems coastal regions have been facing "unprecedented" weather conditions this year, as our President, Ramaphosa, announced on Thursday.
Now, let's not forget, the actual number of children directly affected isn't specifically detailed. But the facts are clear - children are among the most vulnerable victims in this disaster. Reports have confirmed fatalities and missing cases, not to mention traumatic rescues - like kids clutching onto trees for dear life.
And to be clear, the death toll may not be limited to children. It includes all reported deaths, but as of now, it's at least 86. Thousands have been displaced, and the settlements, schools, and infrastructure have suffered significant damage.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP // Keep in mind, though, that as of June 14, 2025, the reported deaths encompass the Eastern Cape and neighboring regions, and not just children. Early reports specifically mentioned four children who lost their lives when a school bus was submerged, with four more missing, but the overall count of kiddo casualties isn't specified. But, it's obvious that children are among the most vulnerable victims, suffering fatal and traumatic ordeals. Additionally, hundreds, if not thousands, of people have been displaced, and multiple children have been rescued from life-threatening situations, highlighting the impact on young lives. Finally, thousands more have been affected and displaced, with over one thousand people displaced as of mid-June. Massive damage to homes, schools, and infrastructure is also reported.
The Commission has also made a number of recommendations on the following subjects: science, environmental-science, climate-change, and politics, given the devastating floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The disaster has highlighted the potential effects of climate change on general-news topics such as human casualties, displacement, and infrastructure damage. It's crucial to address these issues through increased funding for research and mitigation strategies in affected regions.
