Rescue workers and role players have been on site for 169 hours as rescue and recovery efforts continue, a week after a partially built building collapsed at 75 Victoria Street in George. A moment of silence was held at 14:09, the time the incident happened last week.

George Municipality provided the following statistics:

• Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
• Rescued and recovered: 56
• Of which deceased: 27
• Currently hospitalised: 13
• Unaccounted for: 25

Municipality thankful for show of support

The municipality thanked residents of George and South Africa who participated in the moment of silence, held at 14:09 today, in honour of the victims who passed away in the incident.

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers joined the city of George during the minute of silence held today.

Fast-tracking of pathology services

The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts of individuals still trapped in the rubble. The municipality is also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS).

They endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families.

Identification of family members

Difficulties are being experienced in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. The municipality urgently requested families who have lost contact with their loved ones to visit the George Civic Centre on York Street.

The Department of Social Development will collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.

Strict verification in place

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios.

This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

Psychosocial support

There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered their services. Should anyone else be willing to help, they can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

Previous articles:

• Building collapse: Death toll at 26
• Victoria Street building collapse: Minute of silence
• Forensic Pathology uses all methods to connect deceased with their families
• Motorists asked to avoid lower York Street
• Update on building collapse: Death toll rises to 21