EXTREAMLY important, this is my own experience and account from the viewpoint of a volunteer helping at the collapsed building site, I only showed up and did what I was able to, I AM NOT one of the rescuers or emergency staff, I am a volunteer, I donated my time and bought supplies as well, this was all I was able to do.
This post is simply for documenting my own accounts.
Total Number on site at time of incident: 81
People retrieved: 37
People deceased: 8
People in critical condition: 16
People with life-threatening injuries: 6
People with minor injuries: 7
People unaccounted: 44
The rescue operation is at 64 hours as of 06:11 this morning, 9 May.
Community
The events of the past week have left a heavy heart on our town of George. The collapse of the 5-story building was a devastating blow, shaking the very foundation of our sense of security. Yet, amidst the dust and debris, a different kind of strength emerged – the unwavering spirit of the George community.
This isn’t the first time George has faced hardship. But what makes our town truly special is the way we come together in times of need. This recent incident served as a stark reminder of the deep well of compassion that flows through our streets.
An Outpouring of Support
The response from our community was immediate and overwhelming, in the best possible way. The sheer volume of donations to support the emergency workers was so immense that pleas went out to stop the flow! It wasn’t just about the quantity, either. People from all walks of life stepped up, united by a common desire to help.
Active Hands, Open Hearts
This tragedy didn’t leave anyone sitting idly by. Prayer groups sprang up across town, offering solace and strength to those directly affected. Community kitchens buzzed with activity as residents tirelessly prepared fresh meals for the tireless emergency workers.
This wasn’t just about offering resources, it was about offering our hearts. In the face of tragedy, George stood tall, proving once again that a strong community is a proactive community, a community that doesn’t wait to be helped, but leaps into action to support those in need.
As we move forward from this incident, let us hold onto this spirit of unity. Let it be a testament to the enduring strength of George, a town where neighbors become family, and where a helping hand is always readily extended.
Volunteers
The spirit of George wasn’t confined to donations and organized efforts. In the face of immediate crisis, countless volunteers poured onto the scene, driven by an overwhelming desire to help.
Side-by-Side in the Dust
I’ll never forget the sight – company owners, shoulder-to-shoulder with the homeless, all digging with a shared purpose. This wasn’t about social standing, it was about humanity. Even a survivor from the collapse, shaken but determined, joined the rescue effort.
The scene was a mosaic of love and support. Friends, family, and co-workers of the trapped individuals wouldn’t be sidelined. They arrived with gloves, safety gear, and unwavering hope, joining the tireless effort to remove debris and locate survivors.
A Commitment of Hope
Many volunteers worked for days on end, sleep forgotten in the face of a desperate hope. Their dedication was truly awe-inspiring. I, myself, was one of those who rushed to help. Putting down my camera, I joined the digging, valuing the chance to be a part of the solution over capturing the tragedy.
While injuries ultimately forced me to step back, I know countless others continued, pushing their bodies to the limit. They all gave as much as their physical capacity allowed, a testament to the unwavering spirit of our town.
These acts of selflessness, big and small, paint a beautiful picture of the George volunteers . It’s a reminder that in the darkest hours, the human spirit can shine the brightest.
Emergency staff
Emergency workers flooded the scene, not just from George, but from neighboring towns as well. They arrived with a sense of urgency, bringing with them specialized tools to aid in the search for survivors.
Volunteers worked tirelessly alongside emergency workers. The volunteers cleared debris, creating a path for the professionals to effectively search and rescue.
The scene was a whirlwind of activity, a carefully choreographed dance between volunteers and emergency workers. Every movement was purposeful, driven by a singular goal: rescue.
A whistle would pierce the air, a signal for immediate silence. In that hush, the faintest sounds became amplified – the groan of twisted metal, the muffled cough from beneath the rubble. With each pause, emergency workers wielded their high-tech equipment, searching for any sign of life.
An on-site engineer played a critical role. He meticulously supervised the operation, ensuring the safety of all workers while also providing invaluable insights that optimized the digging strategy.
One emergency worker, hailing from Cape Town, remarked with a hint of amusement, ‘I’ve never seen a community this engaged, this many volunteers working together before’
We, the residents of George, simply beamed. ‘Welcome to George,’ we replied, our hearts swelling with pride for our exceptional community.
Media staff
The tragedy in George wasn’t just witnessed by our community; it attracted the attention of the media. Dozens of journalists descended upon the site, eager to capture the story from every angle.
Respect and Responsibility
Thankfully, the vast majority of the media acted with respect and professionalism. They understood the gravity of the situation and worked alongside emergency crews, documenting the unfolding drama without hindering their efforts.
A Glaring Dissonance
However, there were a few unfortunate exceptions. Some media personnel displayed a shocking lack of empathy. One particularly rude individual even yelled at volunteers and emergency workers, demanding they “move out of the way” to avoid interfering with filming.
This blatant disregard for human life in favor of a dramatic shot was a stark contrast to the selflessness displayed by the community. Their priority was clear – saving lives, not generating headlines.
A Model of Professionalism
Newzroom Africa stood out as a beacon of responsible journalism. They were the first to arrive each morning and the last to leave, even staying well past 11 pm when I finally departed. Their dedication to capturing the story didn’t overshadow their respect for the situation. They understood the importance of documenting events, but also the importance of doing so with sensitivity. Even a light drizzle wouldn’t deter them from their commitment to accurate reporting.
The media coverage, for the most part, served as a powerful tool to raise awareness and garner support for the rescue efforts. Newsroom Africa, in particular, exemplified how journalism can be a force for good, capturing the essence of the tragedy while honoring the efforts of those involved.
Policing staff
Keeping Everyone Safe, The Role of Law Enforcement
The incredible efforts at the collapse site weren’t just about rescue and support. The George Police Department played a crucial role in ensuring everyone’s safety.
Maintaining a Safe Zone
The collapsed building posed a significant danger, and the police did an outstanding job of keeping non-essential personnel at a safe distance. This wasn’t just about protecting bystanders, it was about ensuring the rescue operation wasn’t hampered by additional accidents.
A Collaborative Effort
Their dedication to safety extended to the media as well. The police meticulously set up designated areas behind barriers, keeping journalists informed while ensuring they weren’t in harm’s way.
Beyond the Call of Duty
The police presence went above and beyond basic crowd control. They established patrols to maintain order and keep a watchful eye on the entire scene. Their efforts extended to traffic management, ensuring a smooth flow and preventing congestion that could hinder rescue efforts.
A Vital Piece of the Puzzle
In the chaos of the situation, the George Police Department provided a critical foundation of safety. Their dedication and professionalism were a vital piece of the puzzle, allowing rescue workers, volunteers, and the media to all play their part effectively.
A Day at Ground Zero, A Volunteer’s Story
The scene that greeted me upon arrival was a stark contrast to the bustling construction site it once was. A colossal pile of debris, the remnants of a five-story dream, lay before me. The once-proud building had succumbed to gravity, its skeletal remains buried deep within the crater it created. A fine, omnipresent dust hung heavy in the air, punctuated by the cacophony of human activity. Volunteers, a tireless swarm, flung bricks from the pit with a practiced ease.
A construction crane loomed above the wreckage, acting as a precarious guardian angel by holding the collapsed roof section aloft. A conveyor belt, a testament to human ingenuity, snaked out from the pit, carrying debris away to be sorted. The rhythmic pounding of jackhammers, joined by the metallic clang of shovels, formed a symphony of purpose.
Off to the right, beyond the perimeter of the collapsed building, a bustling city within a city had sprung up. Tents served as volunteer stations and food stands, while makeshift offices housed the tireless efforts of officials coordinating the rescue.
Within the pit, the rough texture of bricks scraped against my gloves as I passed them to the next volunteer, barely a foot away. These bricks, however, felt strangely light compared to their counterparts in the intact buildings. The remnants of support beams, mere ghosts of their former selves, lay twisted and broken. The debris from what was once a grand staircase was a treacherous mosaic – some bricks crumbled underfoot, while others held firm. My position, near the center of the front section, placed me directly below the precarious roof fragment.
Several times throughout the day, the frantic activity would grind to a halt. A hush would fall over the crowd, a palpable tension filling the air. This was the cue for the professionals. Emergency workers, their faces grim with determination, would descend into the depths, their specialized equipment the only sound breaking the silence.
I witnessed firsthand the elation of a successful rescue. The sight of a survivor emerging from the heart of the rubble, weak but alive, ignited a roar of cheers from the assembled crowd. Each rescue fueled our collective hope, reminding us of the precious lives still trapped beneath the debris.
The pungent smell of disaster was another unwelcome companion. Three portable toilets, swallowed by the collapse, added their own putrid contribution to the already oppressive atmosphere. Relief came later in the day when a smaller crane managed to extract them, a small but significant victory.
A cacophony of sounds formed the soundtrack of this tragedy. The low growl of heavy machinery, punctuated by the chatter of volunteers – some somber, others cracking jokes to keep spirits from flagging. Then there was the voice of the engineer, his instruction to our group a stark reminder of the constant danger. The precarious nature of the collapsed roof necessitated us to relocate to a safer area, where our assistance was still invaluable.
As night painted the sky a deep grey, and a light drizzle began to fall, I continued my work until exhaustion finally claimed me. By 10 PM, my back and shoulder throbbed in protest. I retreated to a patch of pavement, watching as the single remaining media crew documented the efforts around a designated area. The volunteers, an unwavering line, passed debris hand-over-hand, a testament to their unwavering resolve.
Despite the physical toll, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. I had given my all, my body succumbing before my spirit. With a heavy heart, I left the scene, knowing there were still lives buried beneath the rubble, but also knowing that I had played a part in the fight to save them.
Photos
