Port Shepstone search and rescue specialist among team saving hundreds in Mozambique floods
Despite operating as a small six-member unit, the team rescued close to 500 people in just two days.
Port Shepstone-based Warrant Officer Francois Pretorius was among the South African disaster response specialists who have returned home safely after a high-impact humanitarian deployment to flood-stricken Mozambique.
Pretorius from Saps Search and Rescue, played a key role in the mission, bringing his extensive experience in emergency response and disaster management to the international operation.
The Rescue South Africa-led team returned after leaving for Mozambique last Wednesday, after a formal request for assistance from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The deployment was in response to severe flooding which has affected at least 600 000 people, displaced hundreds of thousands, and destroyed or damaged at least 30 000 homes, according to Mozambique’s National Disasters Management Institute. It’s likely the numbers will increase due to ongoing search and rescue operations. Some of the hardest-hit cities include Maputo, Xai-Xai and Chókwè.
CEO of Rescue South Africa, Aidan Justus, welcomed the team’s safe return, saying he was relieved to have them home ‘safe and sound’ after a successful and demanding mission.
“Thank you to everyone who supported this mission, both near and far. Our thoughts remain with those who are still operational on the ground, and with the communities of Mozambique. We wish them strength and safety in the days ahead.”
The specialist swift water and aviation rescue team was led by Connor Hartnady and included Travis Trower, Dr Dagmar Muhlbauer Roets, Bradley Hatfield, Xavier Millar and Pretorius. The operation was helicopter-dependent and demanded a specialised skill set.
Despite operating as a small six-member unit, the team rescued close to 500 people in just two days. On the first day alone, 94 people were rescued, followed by 357 on day two. Many residents were found stranded in flooded villages, clinging to rooftops and trees as floodwaters surged.
“Some of the people rescued from flood plains faced life-threatening situations and required medical attention. The team also assisted with the distribution of food supplies,” said Justus.
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