Picture: for illustration purposes
In response to the recent violent storms and consequential floods, South African humanitarian group, Gift of the Givers (GOTG) has stepped in with support to the besieged community of McGregor, situated in Langeberg Municipality. The region was brought to its knees following torrential rainfall which led to the overflow of the village's two dams, and subsequent damage to the McGregor bridge - the key link to the neighboring Robertson.
In addition to infrastructural damage, the community's sewerage network suffered significant damage by overflowing septic tanks, posing notable health risks and intensifying the urgency of the awful scenario. Community members reported a shortage of crucial commodities such as food, water, and gas, compounded by the inaccessibility to cash from ATMs - affecting, particularly, the area's elderly and vulnerable demographics.
In response to the critical situation, GOTG, upon the request by Langeberg Municipality, Western Cape, Winnelands Disaster Management, local law enforcement, and local leadership, have vowed to provide initial emergency intervention which is expected to bring blanket, nutrient-packed foodstuffs, bottled water, baby packs, and hygiene commodities to those impacted by the flood.
GOTG's initial intervention comes as part of a broader effort by the organization to provide relief to 15,000 people in several municipalities affected by the floods. The core activities in these regions will be focused on providing hot meals, new clothing, sanitary pads, diapers and animal feed.
According to spokesperson Ali Sablay, the humanitarian group will remain in the disaster-stricken area for at least a week, attending to residents on chronic medication and families whose homes were decimated by the flooding.