The continued heavy rains and subsequent floods that devastate many communities all over South Africa has prompted World Vision South Africa (WVSA) to remain vigilant and on stand-by for continued emergency relief.
WVSA is working with local and district municipalities and other partners in Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in responding to the havoc and trauma caused by the floods.
In the Eastern Cape we are working with the Mbhashe Local Municipality, the Amathole District Disaster Management Centre and the Provincial Management Centre. We have already distributed food parcels to those affected by the floods in Soweto, and in the Eastern Cape we are providing technical assistance to the municipality in doing the assessment.
Apart from providing assistance and support to various government departments in Mbhashe, we have also distributed blankets, mattresses and hygiene packs to those who have been adversely affected.
We are also collaborating with the KZN Disaster Management Centre and ensure – as far as possible – that threatened communities are given a heads up in the case of worsening situations.
On Wednesday, WVSA will distribute another 733 blankets and 106 mattresses to flood victims in the Orlando, Soweto area.
World Vision SA and the Department of Social Development have placed great emphasis on child protection during this disaster period, and also work in partnership with the South African Police Services and community leaders to have abuses reported and dealt with immediately.
The Disaster Management Centre, managed by the City of Johannesburg, will sit down with WVSA next week to discuss the emergency response gaps thus far that need to be addressed in preparation for any similar future disaster situations.
During this planning and evaluation meeting, the two entities will also compile a Recovery and Disaster Rapid Response (DRR) Proposal, similar to what WVSA did in the Eastern Cape at the end of December 2010 after a tornado ravaged the Mbhashe area.
According to informed sources, heavy rains will continue tonight and tomorrow.
sending...
