George – In an interview with Salaamedia, Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk informed that the building collapse in George, Western Cape, has tragically resulted in 32 confirmed fatalities and approximately 20 people still unaccounted for.
The incident, which took place last week, has prompted an extensive rescue and recovery effort. Over the past few days, rescue teams have methodically removed the concrete layer by layer to ensure a comprehensive area coverage.
Van Wyk explained that the rescue operations began at the top of the debris pile and have progressed downwards, with teams now working at the first level and the basement.
He noted that despite the progress, a significant amount of rubble still needs to be cleared. At this point, the likelihood of finding any survivors is becoming increasingly unlikely.
“The chances of finding any survivors at this stage is very slim. But you know the team is continuing to work delicately and carefully. Watching all the time to see if there happens to be anyone still alive.”
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Stepped Up Efforts for Victims’ Families
The location of the collapsed building has materialised as a centre for rescue efforts and emotional support for the relatives of the affected people.
Various experts and volunteers have offered counselling services to those in need. Spaces have been set aside for both private and group sessions.
“We’ve made a hall available to the families, where they are able to get together. We are definitely very pleased that we’ve got a number of people who’ve now come forward to provide the psychosocial support and the counselling that the families need.”
Recognising that the victims come from various backgrounds, many of which are nationals of Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, Van Wyk has expressed that efforts are being made to secure counsellors who can provide support in their families’ native languages.
