𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲, 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 – 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝟭𝟯 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗮𝘁 𝟮𝟭:𝟬𝟬

Rescue and recovery efforts continue a week after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 175 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:

* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81                                                                                      * Rescued and recovered: 61                                                                                                                                                          * Of which deceased: 32                                                                                                                                                                    * Currently hospitalised: 12                                                                                                                                                            * Unaccounted for: 20

𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧-𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦

The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families. Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings such as tattoos and clothing items are some of the methods used to identify the deceased. Forensic Pathology Services are not limited to the Victoria Street Disaster in George, but also include other cases that happen on a daily basis.

It is confirmed that six (6) of the deceased were positively identified – this information has been verified in terms of current protocols.

𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦

We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.

𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘

The Joint District Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧

There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered their services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗦

Tomorrow, 14 May 2024, Salga Provincial and National Teams will be visiting the area at 10:00.The National Minister of Labour will be visiting the area on Thursday, 16 May 2024.

𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬

A request for a Cultural prayer by a family member of one of the deceased was made and permission has been granted for Wednesday, 15 May 2024 at 07:15.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦

Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head of Disaster Management extended a word of appreciation and gratitude to all stakeholders that continuously provide updated and accurate information to the Multi-Agency Command Centre to report about.

The next update will be issued by 06:00 tomorrow, 14 May 2024.