MEDIA STATEMENT: 15:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 15 May 2024 at 15:00
Rescue and recovery efforts are at the beginning of day nine (9) following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 217 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 62
* Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 19
FAMILIES LINKED TO SURVIVORS AND DECEASED
Up to now, 47 victims have been linked to their families.
STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE
The Garden Route District Joint 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.
DONATIONS TO FAMILIES
Today, several organisations, such as the Ghanian Community Association in George, Gift of the Givers, Makro, Lions Club, and Food Socks, provided food hampers to the families of the deceased workers. The Multi-Agency Command Centre expresses its heartfelt gratitude and thank you to all these organisations for their generous acts of kindness.
MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Cyril Ramaphosa, will be visiting the disaster site in George, accompanied by a delegation of National Ministers, on Thursday, 16 May 2024 (tomorrow).
NO MORE FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED FOR FAMILIES
George Municipality confirms that the donations of fresh food received for the affected families who remain in the George Civic Centre are adequate. The families remain supported and provided with meals. However, for those still willing to contribute, donations may be redirected to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street in George.
POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT
The Western Cape Department of Social Development has indicated that a comprehensive range of services will continue to be made available to the affected families for a minimum of 6-months.
The next update will be issued at 18:00 this afternoon, 15 May 2024.
Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality
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