Search and rescue teams at Virginia Airport return home after floods
Steyn commented on the new friendships, bonds and camaraderie that had been formed between teams.
RESCUE teams from the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng, who were stationed at Virginia Airport to assist in rescue operations after the province’s floods, returned home on Friday.
Teams from the North West and Mpumulanga left prior, due to the flooding they had experienced in their home provinces about a week after KwaZulu-Natal.
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Speaking to Northglen News from the airport, Warrant Officer Dave Steyn who is heading operations at the joint operational centre, said local officers from the province will remain until NATJoints and Provincial Disaster Management gives the go-ahead to close.
“I’ve been in search and rescue for 20 years, and we have experienced flooding in the past, but I have not seen anything like the recent floods,” he said.
“They came prepared, ready – with a goal to achieve. As time went by their courage started to wear out because teams were not finding as many people as they did in the beginning. This event has never been seen before,” he said.
“We saw our canines become depressed, and their handlers had an underlying depression too, because fewer bodies were being found. We have professional services to help both the dogs and teams with this,” he said.
Steyn commented on the new friendships, bonds and camaraderie that had been formed between teams.
“It really is amazing the bond that was formed here and the cross-training between the different units,” he said.
He thanked the members for giving up their time with their loved ones, and their families for being supportive.
“These teams have been working endless hours and must be commended. The community policing forums, councillors and the community have also played a huge role in making life easier under difficult circumstances,” said Steyn.
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