Author: Nadine Payle

Rescue and recovery efforts are nearing the end of day eight (8) following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 214 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.

MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS

The President of South Africa, Hon. Cyril Rhamaposa, 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 15:00 midday, 15 May 2024.

Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality

#Georgebuildingcollapse

Rescue and recovery efforts are nearing the end of day eight (8) following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 211 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.

IDENTIFICATION PROCESS

The identification of deceased is the joint responsibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness FPS (who also manages the visual identification in support of SAPS). After an incident such as this, visual identification can understandably be difficult and traumatic for family members and requires SAPS to undertake identification through scientific means, of which DNA testing is one method. We urge the media and public to please respect the families of the deceased while we facilitate the identification process with SAPS.

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.

MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS

The National Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Thulas Nxesi, will be visiting the area tomorrow, 16 May 2024.

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 12:00 midday, 15 May 2024.

Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality

#Georgebuildingcollapse

𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗝𝗢𝗖/𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝟭𝟯 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟱:𝟬𝟬

Rescue and recovery efforts continue into a week after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 169 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 56
* Of which deceased: 27
* Currently hospitalised: 13
* Unaccounted for: 25

𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨

To all residents of George and South Africa who participated in the Moment of Silence in honour of the victims who passed away in the incident, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your continuous support

𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧-𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦

The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families.

𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦

We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.

𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘

The Joint District 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.

𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧

There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

The next update will be issued by 18:00 today, 13 May 2024.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue into a week to this day, after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 166 hours.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

In solemn remembrance of the tragic building collapse on Victoria Street one week ago. The community and residents of George and South Africa will observe a minute of silence today at 14:09 to honour the lives lost and express our collective grief and support for the affected families.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:

* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 55
* Of which deceased: 26
* Currently hospitalised: 13
* Unaccounted for: 26

FAST-TRACKING OF PATHOLOGY SERVICES

The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families.

IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS

We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.

STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE

The Joint District 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.

HUMANITARIAN COMMISSION

The Humanitarian Commission is scheduled to meet with on-site teams today to ensure that the disaster response is conducted in a humane, coordinated manner while upholding legal and ethical standards.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

MINISTERIAL VISITS

The National Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, and the National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, will be visiting the site today.

The next update will be issued by 15:00 today, 13 May 2024.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue into a week after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 163 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:

* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 53
* Of which deceased: 24
* Currently hospitalised: 13
* Unaccounted for: 28

FAST-TRACKING OF PATHOLOGY SERVICES

The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families.

IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS

We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.

STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE

The Joint District 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.

HUMANITARIAN COMMISSION

The Humanitarian Commission is scheduled to meet with on-site teams today to ensure that the disaster response is conducted in a humane, coordinated manner while upholding legal and ethical standards.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

The next update will be issued by 12:00 today, 13 May 2024.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue on day seven (7) at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed Monday, 6 May 2024 at 14:09. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 151 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:

– Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 49
– Of which deceased: 20
– Currently hospitalised: 14
– Unaccounted for: 32

The Joint District Operations Centre’s (JOC) adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services. This collaboration supports effective decision-making and resource allocation.

As mentioned before, the National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, along with National Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, will be visiting the site tomorrow, 13 May 2024.

We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 06:00 on Monday, 13 May 2024.

With 7 days into the rescue and recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street, operations are still ongoing. As of 6pm on May 12, 2024, marking the 148th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:

– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 49
– Of which deceased: 20
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 32

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

The National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, along with Minister Sihle Zikalala, Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, will be visiting the site on Monday, 13 May 2024.

We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 9pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024. ‎

Photo Credit: Herman Pieters

Seven days into the rescue and recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street operations are still ongoing. As of 3pm on May 12, 2024, marking the 145th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:

– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 48
– Of which deceased: 19
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 33

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
The National Minister of Police, Mr. Bheki Cele, was briefed by the Garden Route District Municipality and George Municipality Joint Operations Centre (JOC), followed by an official media briefing. Additionally, the Minister visited the families of the victims to check up on their wellbeing and express his continued support.
We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 6pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 12pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George
Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 12pm

Update:

Day five of rescue operations at the collapsed building site on 75 Victoria Street is underway. The multi-agency command persists in employing a systematic rescue and recovery approach, meticulously clearing rubble to uncover potential voids (open spaces) where individuals may be trapped. At 12pm, 11 May 2024, the operation has spanned 118 hours.
Rescue teams have found an individual alive and are in communication with him. They were able to provide him with water. It might still take several hours to extricate him, Medical teams are on site and ready to assist throughout.

Confirmed statistics:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Patients rescued: 42
– Patients deceased: 13
– Patients currently hospitalized: 13
– Unaccounted for: 39
The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a rigorous double verification protocol in reporting rescue and recovery numbers, collaborating closely with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

In our ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, we issue a call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Practitioners can reach out to Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

Donations
There is currently a need for following safety equipment:
helmets,
safety goggles,
headlamps, and
construction gloves.
These items can be delivered to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We thank Love George, Gift of the Givers and George Alert Team for coordinating the donations with the support of Lions Club, Rotary, a number of small and big businesses, neighbourhood watches, faithbased organisations and members of the general public.

Further updates will be provided by 12:00 pm, 11 May 2024, South African Time.

Photo Credit: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality

Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 09:00

Update: Day five of rescue operations at the collapsed building site on 75 Victoria Street is underway. The multi-agency command persists in employing a systematic rescue and recovery approach, meticulously clearing rubble to uncover potential voids (open spaces) where individuals may be trapped. At 09:00 am, 11 May 2024, the operation has spanned 115 hours.

Confirmed statistics:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Patients rescued: 41
– Patients deceased: 13
– Patients currently hospitalized: 13
– Unaccounted for: 40

The Joint District Operations Center adheres to a rigorous double verification protocol in reporting rescue and recovery numbers, collaborating closely with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

In our ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, we issue a call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Practitioners can reach out to Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

Further updates will be provided by 12:00 pm, 11 May 2024, South African Time.

Photo Credit: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality