Eastern Cape: Police recover eleventh body
Eastern Cape faces a grim reality as police have recovered an eleventh body after severe flooding caused by torrential rains.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape faces a grim reality as police have recovered an eleventh body after severe flooding caused by torrential rains. The victim was found in the Swartkops River near Melbrooks Avenue in Kariega. Police are urging anyone who can help identify the victim to come forward.
Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu detailed the circumstances:
“It is alleged that on Thursday, 6th June, an unidentified man was crossing the river near Kwanobuhle. He was seen struggling before he disappeared in the strong current.”
Naidu added that the search continues for two women who are also believed to have drowned or gone missing in separate incidents.
GOVERNMENT EXPEDITES FLOODS RELIEF EFFORTS
In response to the catastrophic flooding, the government is fast-tracking relief efforts in the affected areas. A ministerial delegation, representing all spheres of government, visited the flood-stricken regions in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 5 June. Their aim was to bolster the urgent response to the devastating rains that have destroyed homes, displaced families, and claimed numerous lives.
The day began with a technical meeting where the three spheres of government received updates from Disaster Response Teams. These teams are actively working to provide humanitarian relief and implement further interventions.
Following the meeting, the delegation, led by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Thembi Nkadimeng, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, visited the most floods affected areas, including Qunu, Izinyoka, Nomakanjani, Bongweni informal settlements, and Kariega.
IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM INTERVENTIONS
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi emphasised the urgency of relocating families currently in mass care centres to temporary emergency accommodation.
“We must ensure safer places for mothers and small children immediately,” she stated, also mentioning the medium to long-term provision of temporary residential units (TRUs).
Furthermore, Minister Nkadimeng has directed the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to collaborate closely with the Joint District Operations Centre, the Eastern Cape provincial government, and the floods affected municipalities. “Our goal is to provide continuous assistance and support to those impacted by the floods,” she said.
CALL FOR VIGILANCE AND SUPPORT
Premier Oscar Mabuyane reassured residents that the government is mobilising resources to address the dire situation. “Currently, we are assessing the damages and urge communities to stay united, vigilant, and keep an eye on weather updates as more rainfall is expected,” he said.
Mabuyane also called on the private sector to partner with the government in supporting flood victims.