• Death toll from the South Africa floods has reached 78, with ongoing search efforts.
• Nearly six students, the bus driver, and another adult confirmed dead; four children remain missing.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa visited affected areas amid criticism of the slow government response.
• Severe weather has displaced hundreds, with infrastructure damage reported across Eastern Cape.
• Government officials warn the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue.

The death toll from devastating floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has risen to 78, with authorities indicating that the number could climb higher as search and rescue operations proceed. The floods, classified as one of the worst natural disasters the province has faced, were sparked by severe weather that began early Tuesday, affecting areas like Mthatha the hardest. The complete extent of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate that many homes, vehicles, and critical infrastructure have been destroyed, according to Indiatimes and LA Times.

Among the confirmed victims are six high school students whose minibus was swept away while transporting them to school. This incident, along with widespread displacement among families, has led officials to coordinate extensive relief efforts. Search and recovery operations are ongoing, with the provincial government reporting that some bodies have been discovered up to 2 kilometers away from where they were believed to have been during the floods, according to Africanews and AA.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the flood-affected areas came amidst growing dissatisfaction with the government's slow response to the calamity. The Eastern Cape has been described as one of the country’s poorest regions, severely affected due to limited resources such as specialized rescue teams and only a single official rescue helicopter. Ramaphosa attended a briefing with disaster management officials and has assured that the government is taking steps to address the crisis, according to Africanews and Indiatimes.

With weather conditions expected to improve, authorities continue to urge local residents to assist in reporting missing persons as a way to enhance search efforts. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa expressed that the crisis is dire, emphasizing the need for coordinated community involvement in recovery operations, according to Africanews and LA Times.