MEDIA STATEMENT: 15:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa, 16 May 2024 at 15:00

Caption: The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, took a moment to greet and thank all the rescue workers on site. Pictured is K9-unit’s Sergeant Makhosonke and to his right is Sergeant Kotze. The President was accompanied by the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, and various National and Provincial Minister.

Rescue and recovery efforts are on day ten (10), following the incident that took place at 75 Victoria Street on 6 May 2024. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 241 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

So far, 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.

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 18:00, 16 May 2024.

Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality

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