CPUT lecturers join disaster relief efforts in Eastern Cape floods

As the death toll from the recent devastating floods in the Eastern Cape has risen to 88, two lecturers from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) have volunteered to assist emergency relief efforts.

One of the youngest victims is believed to be 1-years-old.

Via their Facebook page, CPUT said the lecturers in their Emergency Medical Care Department -  Daglin Thomas and Dominic Hartzenberg, joined teams last week in their efforts to save lives.

“Two lecturers in the Emergency Medical Care Department have joined a Gift of the Givers rescue mission to the Eastern Cape to assist with disaster management efforts. The province has been hit by floods,” said CPUT.

“Daglin Thomas and Dominic Hartzenberg flew from Cape Town along with specialised search and rescue gear to assist their efforts. Keep safe Daglin and Dominic.”

Their efforts have received over 2.8k likes and over 100 shares and comments, wishing them a safe journey and commending them for their heroic efforts.

Gift of the Givers said they were still reaching out for much-needed relief of meals to toiletries.

They asked the public to assist the communities being temporarily housed in three community halls following the floods.

IOL reported on Sunday that the death toll had risen to 88 and that several people were still reported missing.

They reported that Ahmed Bham, head of the Gift of the Givers search and rescue team, said they had a multi-disciplinary team, including the airwing of the South African Police, in retrieving bodies.

The catastrophic flooding has affected parts of Mthatha and surrounding areas for the past week.

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, said he commended the heroes on the ground, in what has been declared a natural disaster in the Eastern Cape.

“We commend the hands-on leadership and compassionate response of Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who hails from the Eastern Cape and has been on the ground offering support and comfort to grieving families and communities,” he said.

“We also welcome the announcement by Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa that a classification of a national disaster had been made - an important step toward mobilising coordinated relief and recovery efforts.

"We further acknowledge and commend the tireless work of emergency services, volunteers, and local authorities who continue to respond with urgency and care under incredibly difficult circumstances.”

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