By Akani Nkuna
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives due to severe weather in the Eastern Cape.
Six bodies were recovered in Mthatha due to flooding, while the bodies of three children were recovered and one remains missing following a minibus, which was providing scholar transport, being swept away by rising river waters.
SABC reports that nine people are still missing.
Ramaphosa appealed to motorists on Wednesday to exercise caution on the roads when travelling for work or leisure, “or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers”.
We must observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect us in these conditions,” he said in a statement.
This comes after days of heavy rain, floods, strong winds and snow left many parts of the Eastern Cape and some parts of KwaZulu-Natal in a crisis.
Eastern Cape government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie confirmed that disaster teams have been sent out to help people, assess the damage and provide support in the areas hit hardest by the severe weather.
Ramaphosa stressed the need for a collaborated effort by key societal stakeholders to preserve and protect the livelihoods and business from severe consequences resulting from the inclement weather.
He said the crisis demanded working together to bring relief to families and communities.
“While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute,” the president said.
Meanwhile, Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosi Hlabisa called an urgent Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management meeting on Tuesday night in response to the aftermath of the severe weather.
The committee reviewed relief efforts and confirmed that progress has been made in relocating families displaced by the storms into temporary housing.
“In addition, technical experts as well are being mobilised to ensure that there is urgent attention paid to the damaged infrastructure, where required, water tankers are being directed to provide clean water,” Hlabisa said in statement.
“Other teams are in some areas providing psycho-social services where needed. Social partners and various non-governmental organisations like Gift of the Givers, Al-Imdaad Foundation are also providing assistance.”
Snow is still forecast in parts of the country and the SA Weather Service has warned of severe rain and winds in KwaZulu-Natal.
INSIDE POLITICS