Rescue volunteers give selflessly in rescue operations in KZN
The S.T.A.R.T control room has been inundated with hundreds of calls this past week mostly related to the devastating effects of the KZN floods.
Monday the 11th of April, teams were dispatched to over 200 calls for help from people in distress whose homes and lives were under threat. The cries for help were relentless as the heavy rain continued to fall. Teams did their very best to respond by joining forces with NSRI Station 41, Station 5 and S.T.A.R.T partner Netcare911. The combination of the various units including the S.T.A.R.T High angle, 4×4 and medical teams, ensured everyone was equipped with the specialised rescue equipment that was needed, this included high angle, swift water, specialised extraction and vehicle recovery tools.
The teams worked throughout the night while the relentless floodwaters continued to flow moving everything in its path.
The teams assembled daily at the base, regrouping and putting together the plan of action for the day.
Each day, the teams were faced with multiple challenges which included compromised communication and routes that were heavily obstructed or washed away.
Members from St Lucia travelled down to provide extra support.
The teams worked relentlessly, digging through heavy mud, moving rocks, water, sewage, debris and washing down household items searching for lost souls and doing their best to provide closure to families.
As a team we managed to recover multiple souls which included children all under the age of 13.
The rescues did not stop there, teams were called to assist with dogs who had been injured and needed assistance getting through the damaged roads so they could receive the proper veterinary treatment they needed.
This disaster, despite the devastation, once again has brought our KZN communities together. Reflecting on the past week we have been humbled by the incredible support that has been shown to our members. The appreciation and gratitude shown to our teams, have overwhelmed us with emotion, despite the sadness and grieving, our local communities have continued to thank us in person and through messages over social media platforms, WhatsApp and SMS.
The words of encouragement and support towards our volunteers have been incredible and we thank you.
Often, we are asked why we do what we do? The answer, that we can make a difference. S.T.A.R.T is made up purely of volunteers who give so selflessly. Together we are strong and together we are one.
