The humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers has activated a large-scale emergency response in the Eastern Cape. This is in response to the devastating floods affecting the Amathole and OR Tambo District Municipalities. With nearly 10,000 people displaced, the worst-hit areas include Butterworth and Mthatha.

Gift of the Givers has activated a large-scale emergency response in the Eastern Cape

The organisation’s founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, says emergency teams have been dispatched to assist families sheltering in community halls across Butterworth, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Mthatha. He says the floods severely damaged infrastructure, including the Butterworth water treatment plant.

This has left the town without potable water. In response, Gift of the Givers has deployed two water tankers for at least 7 days, following a request from the Amathole District Municipality Disaster Management and the Mnquma Local Municipality.

Flood Relief and Search Operations in Eastern Cape

Dr Sooliman says supplies and personnel have been sourced from other provinces to strengthen relief efforts. He says full-scale operations will soon be rolled out in Mthatha in collaboration with the OR Tambo District Municipality.

MORE ABOUT: Gift of the Givers Foundation

Humanitarian aid ramps up in Butterworth and Mthatha

In a crucial development, search and rescue teams from Gift of the Givers arrived this week in Mthatha, following a request by Acting Eastern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso. The teams will assist local authorities in locating missing persons. The organisation also commended the ongoing efforts by SAPS diving units and rescue personnel already active in the region.

Critical humanitarian aid

Gift of the Givers has expressed gratitude to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, MEC for COGTA Zolile Williams, and all supporting municipalities and disaster management teams for their commitment and coordination during this emergency. The aid organisation says it will remain at the forefront of providing critical humanitarian aid to affected Eastern Cape communities.