Relief on the way say North Coast relief organisations

Relief efforts are underway to help flood victims.

On Tuesday morning, when the rain subsided for the first time since Saturday, images and videos of the chaos left in the wake of the floods started pouring in. From Umdloti to Tinley Manor and inland, countless people had been affected, many of whom saw their homes flooded or washed away.

Relief operatives on the ground said the need was overwhelming.

Vision 153 project coordinator, Lesley Forrest, said she had been shocked by the damage caused.

“We have guys on the ground helping those in need on the North Coast, from Shakaskraal to Groutville,” she said, adding she had just heard of a teenage girl who had been killed when a roof collapsed on her in Groutville. Thousands of people are going to be affected by this.”

Forrest began relief operations in earnest, with food parcels already going out on Tuesday.

“The support has been great. What we really need, however, are non-perishable tinned food items, blankets and clothing. Our communities often show incredible strength, especially in times such as these. It’s a privilege to see people rallying to help those in need,” said Forrest.

Local businesses have also linked up to help those most impacted.

“There is a very real need to get help out to these people,” said RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors charity committee chairperson, Sally Mitchell.

Mitchell, friend Kerry Venter and realty colleague Bronwyn Spence rallied to get relief packages and donations going.

“By Tuesday afternoon we had collected a car-load of items, enough to create 15 care packages made up of essentials,” said Mitchell, adding they distributed it later in the evening. This community is filled with generosity.”

Jacqui Muir of His Way Outreach, said their charity shop in Shakaskraal had also been flooded, but they were ready to receive donations of non-perishable food items, clothing and other goods, which they would distribute to those in need.

“We are doing our best to arrange food, blankets and even mattresses. People have really been hit hard by the floods,” she said.

If you are in a position to help with donations, contact Vision 153 (082 550 2128), RE/MAX (082 873 8353) or His Way Outreach (083 534 7047) to arrange.