Update
George Herald last night published the death toll as standing at 14 as communicated by Western Cape Minister of Local Government Anton Bredell. Following official communication sent out this morning stating a toll of 13, the Minister this morning explained that it is a double verification process - on site and at the mortuary - before the official figure is communicated to the disaster management centre that releases the official figure. He expressed condolences with the next of kin of those who have died.
GEORGE NEWS - Another two bodies have been recovered from the disaster site in Victoria Street, bringing the total number of deceased to 14.
Rescue teams are still looking for 39 people while demolition is going on at the same time.
Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said they are trying to work faster, using large construction machines to remove rubble as fast as they can.
“We are working towards hard-to-reach locations and this takes time. Teams are working very carefully and methodically. I must stress this is a search and rescue operation with a recovery component.”
There are spotters on the machines and cameras are on hand so that when there is an opening, they first send in a camera before lifting the concrete.
Water pumps are also on site should it be required to pump water from the cavities if it starts to rain. They’ve also been pumping oxygen into the cavities should there be any live people underneath the concrete.
Since the incident, nearly 700 emergency and disaster management officials and volunteers have been working tirelessly on the site.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde earlier today expressed his gratitude towards all role players: “You are true heroes and we are immensely grateful for all you are doing in this very difficult time.
"That is what I admire the most about our Western Cape residents; when incidents of this nature occur, everyone comes together and steps up. You are all extraordinary.”
The head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), Colin Deiner emphasised the operation remains in the search and rescue phase, with heavy machinery brought in to excavate the site.
It was emphasised that the operation will carry on in a coordinated manner for as long as it takes until every single person is accounted for.
‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’
