An estimated 30% of rain is expected in the South of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape today, according to Weather South Africa.
The predicted rainfall forecast is over parts of George, where 39 families wait for their loved ones to be found, in a rubble of a collapsed multi-story building.
Herman Pieters, Communications Manager of the Garden Route District Municipality says rain will aggravate the situation. “Should it rain, the structures might start moving, making it even more difficult to find those trapped.”
He said “there are a few people caught in a basement area, but it has become nearly impossible to get them out because of all the debris and rubble piled up on top of the chamber.”
This morning, at 9am, the George Municipality confirmed that thus far, thirty-six (36) people were rescued from the collapsed building.
Of the 36 retrieved, 7 lost their lives, 16 are in a critical condition in hospital, 6 have life-threatening injuries and 7 have minor injuries.
A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for.
Rescue operations are approaching 44 hours.
Pictures: Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality.