Phased approach to address flood aftermath in KZN

GOVERNMENT is taking a phased approach to dealing with the effects of floods that have ravaged KwaZulu-Natal.

On Monday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on government’s response to the disastrous floods, saying government will be responding to the disaster in three phases.

“First, we will focus on immediate humanitarian relief, ensuring that all affected persons are safe and that their basic needs are met. Second, we will focus on stabilisation and recovery, rehousing people who have lost homes and restoring provision of services.

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“Third, we will focus on reconstruction and rebuilding. This will not only involve the construction and repair of major infrastructure. It will also involve the construction of houses in suitably-located areas and measures to protect the residents of these areas from such adverse weather events in the future,” Ramaphosa said.

To date, 443 people are known to have lost their lives in KwaZulu-Natal, with approximately 48 people still missing or unaccounted for.

Ramaphosa added the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been leading search and rescue efforts, with a total of 247 rescue operations to date.

He commended the many individuals and organisations that have taken the initiative to provide humanitarian assistance to those most affected.

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He also expressed appreciation to the emergency service personnel, including health care workers, police and defence personnel, municipal workers, volunteers and community members who spent many hours, at great risk to themselves, saving lives and providing support.

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