Volunteers a beacon of unity in time of crisis

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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - Volunteers from across George gathered in the blink of an eye after a block of flats under construction in Victoria Street collapsed on 75 construction workers on Monday afternoon at 14:09.

One of the first volunteer teams to respond to the disaster was the George Alert Team (Gat) that arrived on the scene soon after the building collapsed.

"Within 15 minutes of the catastrophic event our team was on site. The scenes of destruction and the palpable sense of hopelessness are still difficult to comprehend.

"As someone who has been involved in disaster preparedness and response through Lions Clubs International, I have witnessed first-hand the immense challenges and heartache that accompany such tragedies," said Gat's Pieter Nel.

The team's resolve has been tested by the Knysna and George fires, but nothing could have prepared them for the magnitude of the current situation.

"Being on site, amidst the chaos and the tireless efforts of rescue teams and volunteers, is both heart-warming and gut-wrenching.

However, the spirit of the George community rallying together to support the rescue efforts, is a testament to the strength of humanity in the face of adversity.

Yet, the painstaking and meticulous nature of the recovery process is a stark reminder of the fragility of life."

Nel said that to him the most haunting parts are those moments of eerie silence after the sound of a whistle signalling for absolute quiet - a reminder that beneath the rubble lie precious lives, clinging to hope in the darkness, and the anguish of the families gathered at the civic centre.

"Every glance, every whispered prayer, is a plea for good news, for a miracle that may never come."

Still, amid the despair there remains a flicker of hope.

"We cling to the belief that with each passing moment, there is a chance that another life will be saved, another family reunited. And so, we press on, fuelled by the unwavering determination of those on the front lines and the support of those standing behind them.

"We will continue to work tirelessly until every last person is brought home," he said.

To assist the George Alert Team, please contact Nel via WhatsApp on 078 874 6927.

Two of the many volunteers on the scene, Karin L’Empriere and Lynette Reinecke, both from the Lions.

Watch a video below where MMC for Community Safety Marais Kruger, thanks everyone who have donated and all the volunteers for still being willing to assist on the site nearly 72 hours into the tragedy.