Source: South Africa News Agency
Search and recovery efforts are ongoing across the Eastern Cape, following the recent inclement weather.
Torrential rains over the past few days have caused devastating landslides and flooding, leaving hundreds of families displaced. The adverse weather has also caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure.
Updating the media on Wednesday, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, said that he has ordered the suspension of all other provincial programmes in the province, to enable Members of the Executive Council (MECs), including himself, to be on the ground and offer support to the affected communities.
This after assessing the extent of widespread devastation, following the rains and strong winds that hit the province’s OR Tambo District Municipality enduring most of the severe weather.
“Each of the MECs are looking at the service delivery needs of this and other affected communities across the province as mop-up operations begin in earnest. Together with the leadership of the OR Tambo District and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, the provincial government is on the ground assessing the damage, to support relief operations, and engage directly with affected families and communities,” Mabuyane said.
The Premier extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 49 people who passed away in OR Tambo District alone. Among the deceased are children whose scholar transport was swept away by floodwaters.
“The number of people confirmed to have been in the minibus taxi…. sadly, four learners have been confirmed to be deceased, together with the driver and a conductor of the minibus taxi. The rest of the deceased people are citizens of different ages. Four learners are still missing,” the Premier said.
The heavy rains in the Amathole District have also displaced hundreds of residents from informal settlements, with many relocated to temporary shelters. The severe weather also caused power outages across several areas in the district.
Mabuyane said a coordinated, multi-disciplinary emergency and rescue services team has been deployed across the province and remains actively involved in recovery, evacuation, and support efforts across the affected areas.
The continuous provision of shelter, food, psychosocial support services, blankets, and other essentials to displaced families, through partnerships with the South African Social Service Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, and local municipalities are some of the interventions that have been put in place by the provincial government.
“Through the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM), technical experts are addressing damage to water infrastructure. When necessary, water tankers will be dispatched to ensure access to clean drinking water,” the Premier said.
Search and rescue operations for the scholars is being led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) while the Department of Education is intervening to bring in the necessary support to the affected families during this tragic time.
Restoration of electricity, reopening of roads
Mabuyane also noted progress being made in reopening major roads affected by snowfall, and the continuous restoration of electricity following outages caused by gale-force winds and heavy snow.
“Over the past 48 hours, at least 136 000 customers have since been brought back online, down from 300 000 that were without electricity. Eskom teams have resumed to continue with restoration to outstanding customers,” Mabuyane said.
The Premier commended the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for their forecasts confirming that the inclement weather is coming to an end, as the cut-off low system responsible for the recent conditions moves out to sea.
He also expressed gratitude to the provincial disaster management teams, including SAPS K-9 divers, the SAPS Search and Rescue Airwing, as well as residents for their swift response.
The Premier further urged those that are yet received assistance to remain calm and patient, and that relief efforts will move faster with the easing of the inclement weather.
“Infrastructure technical teams have been activated to carry out assessment to ascertain the extent of the damage as well as interventions that are required across the province. At this stage 20 health facilities have suffered damages to varying levels.
“In terms of road infrastructure, engineers are on the ground assessing the impact and extent of the damage on our road network including rural roads. The R58 Khowa to Barkey through the Barkely is now open,” Mabuyane said.
He advised motorists to exercise caution due to slippery conditions. He further called on citizens, and organisations to support the communities, as they continue to deal with this tragedy.
“Condolences once again to the families who lost their loved ones,” he said.
The Premier’s update on Wednesday came ahead of the visit of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s visit to the province on Thursday.
READ | Minister Hlabisa visits flood-affected Eastern Cape
–SAnews.gov.za