Storm leaves NC communities stranded
GIFT of the Givers teams distributed emergency supplies to communities in Keimoes on the weekend after heavy storms in the area washed away bridges and flooded access roads.
Gift of the Givers project manager in the Northern Cape Emily Thomas said they were unable to distribute humanitarian relief by road or river and so they airlifted emergency aid to hundreds of affected families.
Thomas said they distributed food parcels, toiletries and bottled water to around 600 families living in Lanklaas Eiland, Meyers, Plangeni, Farms Eiland, George Eiland, Bradwell Eiland and Sand Eiland who were all cut off from the rest of society due to flooding.
“Some families have not had access to food or clean drinking water since last Saturday and some patients need to eat before taking their medication.”
Thomas added that they received assistance from disaster management and the municipality.
“Gift of the Givers received an instant response and a preferential rate from Boeta Dippenaar at Henley Air and a Bell 222 helicopter (better known as Airwolf) to airlift emergency aid to hundreds of affected families.”
She explained that teams from Gift of the Givers arrived in Keimoes on Thursday to conduct assessments.
“We have not been able to enter the areas that are waterlogged following heavy storms. We packed parcels containing rice, tinned fish, cooking oil and hygiene products such as toothbrushes, soap and sanitary towels for mass distribution. Many families are dependent on social grants and have not had access to any sustenance or medical care.”
Thomas added that some residents managed to swim across the swollen Orange River in search of supplies.
“They place their groceries in a bath tub and swim back home as bridges were washed away and low-lying areas are flooded. Luckily none of the houses were washed away, with the exception of a lodge that is situated on the main road that was submerged by water.”
Thomas said that Grade 12 pupils were accommodated at school hostels so that they could write their final exams.
