Victim elated and thankful that rescue teams came

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS - Minister of Health in the Western Cape Dr Nomafrench Mbombo says the tiler who was pulled from the rubble this morning, after being trapped for more than 116 hours, was elated and thankful when rescue teams reached him. The victim was identified as Gabriel Guambe. Dr Mbombo says he spoke all the way to the hospital and was not confused. No other information about his condition is known.

According to the latest update from the Joint District Operations Centre issued at 15:00 this rescue brings new hope and teams have found new energy to continue with rescue and recovery operations.

"The survivor was extricated cautiously and transported to the hospital after being stabilized by the onsite medical team."

Confirmed statistics:

Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
Patients rescued: 42
Patients deceased: 13
Patients currently hospitalized: 14
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 their ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, they 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.

They thanked 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, faith-based organisations and members of the general public.