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MEDIA STATEMENT: 12:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 16 May 2024 at 12:00

Rescue and recovery efforts on day nine (9) will carry over to day ten (10) at 14:09 today 16 May, following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 237 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

The media is kindly requested to respect the privacy of the patients still hospitalised/receiving treatment at medical facilities in George. Their dignity while they recuperate should be observed and respected.

FAMILIES LINKED TO SURVIVORS AND DECEASED
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.

REFRAIN FROM SPECULATION
The public is advised that official investigations into the incident are being undertaken by SAPS, Department of Labour, Department of Infrastructure as well as an independent structural engineering firm appointed by the Western Cape Government. Speculation and possible causes by unofficial “experts” could impact negatively on the official investigation. The public is requested to refrain from spreading malicious rumours and/or fake news.

MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Cyril Ramaphosa, is visiting the disaster site in George today with the Premier of the Western Cape, Hon. Alan Winde. They will be accompanied by several National and Provincial Ministers.

A media briefing is set for 13:00 in front of the foyer of the George Town Hall.

DONATIONS FOR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AT THE GEORGE BUILDING COLLAPSE SITE
Donations for the multi-disciplinary emergency personnel may be delivered to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street in George or contact the Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428) in this regard.

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. Psychosocial support for all rescue and non-rescue personnel will be addressed.

The next update will be issued at 15:00 today, 16 May 2024.

Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality

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