Gauteng urban search and rescue teams on standby and ready to assist with relief efforts in Western Cape
The Gauteng Provincial Government has learnt with sadness the devastation that has been visited on the people of Knysna and Greater Cape Town through fires and floods.
"Our hearts go out to the many people affected by the devastating storms and floods that wreaked havoc in parts of the Western Cape over the past few days", MEC Mashatile said.
Many lives have been lost with property destroyed and hundreds of people left destitute as a result of these natural disasters.
The persistent bad weather conditions have left firefighters battling to either contain or extinguish the raging fires and this has led to scores of people to flee their homes.
"We stand in solidarity with our people in the Western Cape. Hence, the Gauteng USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) technicians are placed on standby for possible deployment to the Western Cape if needed", Mashatile added.
Urban Search and Rescue is a specialised emergency services’ field that deals with the location, extrication, and initial medical stabilisation of victims. USAR teams conduct search and rescue operations in collapsed structures and provide emergency medical care to trapped victims.
For more information contact:
Mogomotsi Mogodiri
Cell: 063 689 7613
Neo Lebethe
Directorate: Media Relations & Strategy
Gauteng Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs
Tel: 011 355 4894
Cell: 079 490 8060
Fax: 086 628 1323
E-mail: neo.lebethe@gauteng.gov.za
