KZN Regional Director of NSRI, Clifford Ireland, has penned a note of condolence, support and thanks to all those who have been involved in the flooding rescue efforts.
Durban, South Africa (14 April 2022) – NSRI KwaZulu-Natal Regional Director Clifford Ireland took some time this morning to pen an update about the situation in KZN and how the NSRI is working through the rescue efforts, to save as many lives as they can.
For many South Africans and people watching the news globally, we have seen the harrowing images and video footage of mudslides and destruction. Our hearts ache at the rising numbers of lives lost, people missing and people left destitute by the disaster.
The NSRI is working tirelessly to save as many people as they can. This is what the various teams are doing to help. Ireland shares thanks to all that have helped through the disaster and urges the public to give officials time to assess the damage done to the infrastructure in the area.
“Condolences are conveyed to the families who have lost loved ones during the flooding.
Our thoughts are with those families who have loved ones who are still missing.
Our thoughts are with those who are displaced.
NSRI has commended the massive response from our NSRI stations in Port Edward, Shelly Beach, Rocky Bay, Durban and Ballito.
All of our NSRI volunteers in the region contributed.
We commend the support from our NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre).
Our neighbouring Eastern Cape NSRI stations, NSRI Richards Bay and St Lucia, NSRI Gauteng and NSRI Western Cape who were all on alert to respond to assist is heartfelt.
This has been the biggest mass rescue operation we have faced in recent history.
The collection of volunteer services that NSRI are a part of under SA-CAN (Community Action Network) with the coordination and activation on the START network worked well and in accordance with the emergency preparedness plans in place to operate in these kinds of emergencies.
All emergency services who came together – Disaster Risk Management, NSRI, Ethekwini and Kwadakuza lifeguards, Police Search and Rescue, the SA Police Services, Fire and Rescue Services, Traffic Services, Metro Police and Metro Police Search and Rescue, KZN Government Health EMS, Private ambulance services, local security companies, breakdown services, community response teams, Municipal staff, the 112 emergency call centres and Transnet National Ports Authority, who despite overwhelming odds and for over 36 hours tirelessly helped to rescue scores of people and animals alike.
We commend local communities and residents who assisted each other.
Despite the sad loss of life thousands of people were rescued and assisted.
It appears from the SA Weather Services that further rains are forecast and hopefully they are not as intense as what has been experienced.
It is too early to single out any specific rescue as there were hundreds of rescue operations carried out over a short space of time and in some cases search, rescue and recovery operations are continuing.
We are continuing to appeal to the public not to cross flooded rivers or waterways and not to drive across bridges that are under flood.
Allow authorities the opportunity to assess structural damage to buildings and roadways.
We are appealing to the public to avoid harms way and to stay safe.”
If you would like to support the NSRI and their efforts, you can do so by donating here.
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