George Herald last night published the death toll as standing at 14 as communicated by Western Cape Minister of Local Government Anton Bredell. Following official communication sent out this morning stating a toll of 13, the Minister this morning explained that it is a double verification process - on site and at the mortuary - before the official figure is communicated to the disaster management centre that releases the official figure.He expressed condolences with the next of kin of those who have died.
GEORGE NEWS - Another two bodies have been recovered from the disaster site in Victoria Street, bringing the total number of deceased to 14.
Rescue teams are still looking for 39 people while demolition is going on at the same time.
Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said they are trying to work faster, using large construction machines to remove rubble as fast as they can.
“We are working towards hard-to-reach locations and this takes time. Teams are working very carefully and methodically. I must stress this is a search and rescue operation with a recovery component.”
There are spotters on the machines and cameras are on hand so that when there is an opening, they first send in a camera before lifting the concrete.
Read more on sisters' publication. George Herald
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