Cabinet Briefed on Recovery Efforts in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal

Cape Town: Cabinet was, at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, updated on ongoing recovery efforts in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, following the recent devastating floods. At a national level, the National Joint Flood Coordination Committee, as well as the Interministerial Committee of Disaster Management have been activated and have met on several occasions to assess the situation and decide on how to support the affected provinces. According to South African Government News Agency, briefing the media on Thursday in Cape Town, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the National Disaster Management Centre and respective provincial and municipal disaster management centres continue to provide reports on assessments and response measures. "The immediate priority remains to provide emergency shelter and relief materials needed by affected communities to stabilise the situation," Ntshavheni said. She stated that work also continues to restore basic services such as water, sanitation, and ele ctricity. "This includes ensuring that those affected obtain identity (ID) documents and temporary ID certificates to access essential services," she added. An assessment of damage to homes and infrastructure and a plan for reconstruction is underway. Once completed, it will allow for the preparation of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, Ntshavheni explained. The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has confirmed that the official death toll from the recent floods has risen to 101, following additional recoveries by search teams. The numbers are likely to increase, as there are still individuals who have been reported missing by their families, and search operations continue in the affected areas. The provincial government has extended heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and "are now left with a profound and multifaceted impact on their lives."