South Africa Flood Disaster Leaves at Least 49 Dead, Dozens Missing

At least 49 people have died and many more are missing following catastrophic flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, where days of relentless rainfall and snowfall triggered by an extreme cold front have devastated communities and critical infrastructure.

The deadly weather system swept across parts of southern and eastern South Africa over the weekend, inundating towns, destroying homes, and leaving hundreds stranded. Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue across the region.

“As we speak here, other bodies are being discovered,” said Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane at a press briefing. “I have never seen something like this,” he added, expressing shock at the scale of destruction.

Among the dead are six high school students who were swept away when their school bus was caught in rising floodwaters near a river. Four other students remain missing. The bus was located on Wednesday, but it was empty. Three students were rescued the day before, found clinging to trees as waters surged around them.

The provincial government confirmed that 58 schools and 20 healthcare facilities sustained damage in the flooding. Approximately 500 people have been displaced, with many housed in temporary shelters after their homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.

Disaster response teams have been deployed across the Eastern Cape and neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province. Efforts are ongoing to locate missing persons, deliver aid to affected areas, and assess the full extent of the damage.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the victims’ families and pledged government support. His office confirmed that the National Disaster Management Centre is coordinating with provincial authorities to assist with emergency relief and recovery operations.

The disaster has once again highlighted the vulnerability of South Africa’s infrastructure and communities to extreme weather events, which scientists warn are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

As search teams continue their work, officials urge caution, with additional rainfall forecast in some affected areas. Recovery efforts are expected to extend for weeks as families mourn, communities rebuild, and the nation grapples with the tragedy’s full impact.

—

Terror Leader Calls for Attacks on Trump, U.S. Officials Over Israel Support

The leader of al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, has publicly called for the assassination of former President Donald Trump and senior American officials, citing their staunch support for Israel. The threats were made in a video shared on social media platform X.

In the video, AQAP leader Sa’ad bin Atef al-Awlaki urged Muslims residing in the United States to carry out attacks against American targets. “We call on all Muslims in America—regardless of their origin, whether American, Arab, or otherwise—what matters is that their prophet is Muhammad,” he declared. “There are 4.5 million Muslims in America. I say to all of them: revenge, revenge. Do not consult anyone about killing infidels. You should be determined, and your targets should be effective.”

Al-Awlaki specifically named Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and entrepreneur Elon Musk—described as an advisor on administration, finance, and technology—as priority targets. He also called for attacks on the U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, their families, and anyone closely associated with the White House.

The U.S. State Department has previously offered a $6 million reward for information leading to al-Awlaki’s capture.

In the same video, the AQAP leader praised individuals responsible for recent antisemitic terror attacks and lauded previous attempts on Trump’s life. His message arrives amid rising concerns over domestic terrorism and political violence in the United States.

Earlier in his current term, President Trump enacted a controversial travel ban affecting citizens from twelve predominantly Muslim countries, citing heightened national security threats.

The U.S. government’s unwavering support for Israel, especially in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, has drawn both international criticism and domestic backlash. Human rights organizations and various international observers have raised concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

Medics said the wounded were transported to Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp and to Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City.

Trump himself has been the target of multiple assassination attempts over the past year.

These incidents underscore a growing security challenge as political tensions escalate both domestically and abroad.

U.S.,  China Reach Preliminary Trade Deal Including Rare Earth Mineral Acces

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States has reached a trade agreement with China that would ease restrictions on critical rare earth minerals and magnets, materials essential to sectors ranging from defense and electric vehicles to robotics.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared the deal “done,” stating that China has agreed to supply “any necessary rare earths” and magnets. In return, the U.S. will ease restrictions on Chinese students studying at American universities.

The agreement follows months of heightened trade tensions between the two countries, marked by retaliatory tariffs and escalating export controls. China’s earlier curbs on rare earth mineral exports had disrupted supply chains and slowed production at several U.S. companies, including automaker Ford Motor Co.

While specific terms of the agreement remain unclear, analysts caution that Beijing may continue to wield rare earth supplies as strategic leverage.

“China’s going to want to maintain leverage,” said Gracelin Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in comments to The Wall Street Journal.

Trump also stated that under the terms of the deal, the U.S. will impose a 55% tariff on Chinese imports, while China will levy a 10% tax on U.S. goods. He added that the agreement remains subject to final approval from both himself and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Earlier Wednesday, Chinese state media reported that officials from both nations had reached a “framework” agreement following bilateral talks held in London.

The announcement marks a potential de-escalation in a protracted trade dispute that has rattled markets and complicated global supply chains.