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.

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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.

Anti Trump Immigration Policies Hit US, Mayor Decries Violence

San Francisco Mayor, Daniel Lurie addressed the public following a protest that escalated into violence over the weekend, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safety and peaceful expression.

“My first priority as mayor is, and has always been, the safety of everyone who lives or works in San Francisco,” Lurie said. “I have been coordinating with local law enforcement and city departments throughout the weekend to keep everyone safe during this evening’s protest, and I am with our city’s public safety leadership right now, getting real-time updates from the ground.”

The mayor underscored the importance of protecting the right to peaceful protest. “Everyone in this country has a right to make their voice heard peacefully, and local law enforcement will always protect that right and the rights of everyone in our city to be safe.”

However, Lurie condemned the turn toward violence that occurred as the protest wound down. “But we will never tolerate violent and destructive behavior, and as crowds dwindled, a group that remained caused injuries to police officers, vandalized Muni vehicles, and broke windows of local businesses. As a result, SFPD made approximately 60 arrests, and the protest has now wound down.”

“Violence directed at law enforcement or public servants is never acceptable,” he added.

City agencies are now focused on recovery efforts. “We are working right now to clean up damage, get Muni back to full operations, and coordinating across departments to remain fully prepared for any upcoming activities.”

In closing, Lurie reiterated San Francisco’s stance on supporting its immigrant communities. “As I have always said, efforts to target members of our immigrant community who contribute to our city, support our economy, and raise their families here make our city less safe.”

“We will continue San Francisco’s decades-long practice of prioritizing everyone’s safety by supporting community organizations, investing in immigrant legal services, and continuing to build trust with local law enforcement.”

There have been massive protests against Trump’s immigration policies which has seen many persons deported and citizens of countries banned from access into the United States.