Red Cross helps those affected by Eloise
The provincial management and volunteers have been on the ground conducting prepositioning of relief stock.
The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) continued to lend a helping hand to those in Mpumalanga and South Africa at large affected by Eloise. In the province, the society distributed relief items to more than 86 needy households since the heavy rain started.
Read: Cyclone Eloise heads to Mozambique – Should Lowvelders be concerned?
“Through coordination with local authorities, we managed to conduct assessments and distributed the relief items according to the needs of the affected households.
“This comes amid the country’s grappling with Covid-19. SARCS remains dedicated to achieving its goal to alleviate human suffering in communities through a coordinated preparedness and response approach,” explained Kgetsa Mothose, the provincial manager of SARCS.
Mothose added that the provincial management and volunteers have been on the ground conducting prepositioning of relief stock. They also activated the volunteer response teams and disseminated early warning messages through social media platforms, community radio stations, and even used loudhailers for community households.
Also read: Heavy rain wreaks havoc in the Lowveld
According to acting national programmes manager, Fernel Campher, SARCS is always prepared for disasters. He said the society always puts emphasis on disaster risk reduction and preparedness. Volunteers are always trained on disaster management and relief material prepositions in disaster-prone areas.
Following the weather alert from the South Africa Weather Service, SARCS field teams have embarked on public awareness and sensitisation in prone communities through door-to-door campaigns, community radio stations and social platforms. In case of emergencies, evacuation centres have been identified by the local authorities.
