As deadly floods left 10 people dead and thousands homeless in the Eastern Cape, premier Oscar Mabuyane has urged the private sector to join forces with the government to provide much-needed help to the victims.
Heavy rains and strong winds have caused extensive damage and claimed lives across the province, particularly in various parts of Buffalo City Metro and Nelson Mandela Bay, in the past few days.
Other affected municipalities include Sarah Baartman District Municipality (Kouga, Makana, Ndlambe, Kou-Kamma local municipalities) and Amathole District Municipality (Great Kei, Mnquma, Mbhashe and Ngqushwa local municipalities).
Dozens of homeless people have been accommodated in community halls as the government weighs up its options for alternative shelter.
Along with senior government officials, Mabuyane this week visited the victims to assess the damage and give the victims hope that help was on the way.
Mabuyane, BCM mayor Princess Faku and the Gift of the Givers handed over food parcels to the victims this week.
Provincial government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said preliminary reports indicated that 10 people had died in the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City metros.
“More than 3,000 people have been displaced and are housed in shelters across the province,” she said.
“Extreme rainfall and flooding in parts of the province over the weekend required an immediate government intervention to ensure the restoration of essential services and support for affected areas.
“As such, the provincial government activated disaster management teams to co-ordinate all spheres of government in their efforts to provide swift humanitarian relief to many households that have been affected.
“Premier Mabuyane is calling on all stakeholders to come on board in providing essential items such as food, clothing, dignity packs, blankets and school uniforms to displaced vulnerable families to meet their basic needs.”
Rantjie said while water and electricity had been restored in many areas, some localities in both urban and rural areas were still experiencing power outages and damage to infrastructure, including roads, schools and health facilities.
“The provincial government would like to thank all those who have been working tirelessly to ease the suffering of the flood victims,” she said.
“Government commits to continue with its relief efforts to the affected community members.
“Individuals, businesses, and organisations willing to donate and provide assistance are encouraged to contact the respective municipalities which are co-ordinating immediate humanitarian support.
“Eastern Cape communities are urged to continue to heed weather warnings whenever they are issued to minimise the impact and loss of lives.”
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