Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
01 March 2023 | 21:33 CAT

Image: Sowetan Live

After assisting with relief operations in Turkey, they just touched down and almost immediately packed again to assist the flood-ravaged Northern Cape. They are Gift of the Givers, and they are already busy with relief aid to assist the people in Keimoes in the Northern Cape after floods caused rising levels of water in the Orange River as the sluice gates of the Vaal Dam had to be opened because it was over 100% full.

This follows after the Department of Water and Sanitation opened four more sluice gates at the Vaal Dam on Friday to relieve water pressure after heavy rains caused rivers to overflow into the Vaal and Orange River systems.

In an update on the floods in the Northern Cape, Gift of the Givers’ Emily Thomas said people are now stranded on islands surrounding Keimoes, making it impossible to access food and clean drinking water.

Emily said that the Gift of the Givers teams was busy distributing food hampers, bottled water, hygiene packs and blankets by deploying a helicopter and having flown humanitarian relief to the stranded people on the islands.

Meanwhile, it is predicted that rains will continue deep into April. According to Anneline, more flooding in the area to a dire situation will drastically impact the situation and people.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with host Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and guest Emily Thomas.