At least seven people have been confirmed dead in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province following severe flooding triggered by a powerful winter storm that has battered the country since the weekend, bringing snow, bitter cold, and dangerous conditions.

The South African Weather Service has warned of ongoing flood risks and authorities are deploying disaster management teams and emergency services to affected areas.

Meanwhile, rescue workers continue the search for a school minibus taxi swept away by floodwater.

Three children have been rescued alive, while nearly half a million homes remain without electricity.