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South Africa floods: Search resumes for schoolchildren swept away by floods South Africa floods: Bodies of schoolchildren found after bus swept away after heavy rains
(about 3 hours later)
The heavy rains in South Africa's Eastern Cape province have subsidedThe heavy rains in South Africa's Eastern Cape province have subsided
The search for schoolchildren swept away in floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has resumed after being halted overnight, officials have said. The search for schoolchildren swept away by floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has resumed after being halted overnight, officials have said.
The children were on their way to school in the town of Mthatha when their bus was carried away in flood waters as it was crossing a bridge on Tuesday morning.The children were on their way to school in the town of Mthatha when their bus was carried away in flood waters as it was crossing a bridge on Tuesday morning.
Officials said three students were later rescued, but it was unclear how many pupils were on the bus, which has since been found on a riverbank with no-one inside. A total of eight bodies, including that of the bus driver, have so far been recovered, Eastern Cape community safety official Xolile Nqatha has told private TV station Newzroom Afrika.
An unconfirmed report by private TV station Newzroom Afrika says the bodies of 10 children and the driver have now been found further downstream. Other officials said three students were rescued on Tuesday, but it was unclear how many pupils were on the bus, which has since been found on a riverbank with no-one inside.
Public broadcaster SABC reported that the three children who were rescued on Tuesday were found clinging to trees. Public broadcaster SABC reported that the three children who were rescued were found clinging to trees.
On Wednesday morning, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the scene to witness rescue efforts, and to meet affected communities.On Wednesday morning, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the scene to witness rescue efforts, and to meet affected communities.
He told Newzroom Afrika that while the situation was a "difficult one", he was "quite happy" with the response of the emergency services.He told Newzroom Afrika that while the situation was a "difficult one", he was "quite happy" with the response of the emergency services.
South Africa has been hit by heavy snow, rains and gale force winds that have officially claimed the lives of 14 people, nine from the floods and five in a road accident.South Africa has been hit by heavy snow, rains and gale force winds that have officially claimed the lives of 14 people, nine from the floods and five in a road accident.
Nearly 500,000 homes were left without electricity on Tuesday - and state-owned power provider Eskom says efforts are being made to restore connections.Nearly 500,000 homes were left without electricity on Tuesday - and state-owned power provider Eskom says efforts are being made to restore connections.
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the families of those who died as he urged citizens to "display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country".South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the families of those who died as he urged citizens to "display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country".
The Eastern Cape - the birthplace of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela - has been worst-affected by the icy conditions, along with KwaZulu-Natal province.The Eastern Cape - the birthplace of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela - has been worst-affected by the icy conditions, along with KwaZulu-Natal province.
The bad weather has forced the closure of some major roads in the two provinces to avoid further casualties.The bad weather has forced the closure of some major roads in the two provinces to avoid further casualties.
More BBC stories on South Africa:More BBC stories on South Africa:
Tears and heartbreak over tragic story of South African girl sold by her motherTears and heartbreak over tragic story of South African girl sold by her mother
How Ramaphosa might gain from US showdownHow Ramaphosa might gain from US showdown
Schoolchildren swept away as heavy floods and snow hit South AfricaSchoolchildren swept away as heavy floods and snow hit South Africa
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafricaFollow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica