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The SAHRC says the government needs to focus more on disaster management and climate change. Image: sahrc

SAHRC demands government to focus on disaster management

SAHRC provincial manager, Eileen Carter says several measures have been put in place to address the needs of the vulnerable.

sahrc

The SAHRC says the government needs to focus more on disaster management and climate change. Image: sahrc

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says the government needs to focus more on disaster management and climate change.

ALSO READ: South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Sunday 13 February 2022

DEATH TOLL IN EASTERN CAPE RISING AFTER FLOODS

This follows after three people died after heavy rains in the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape.

The body of one of the two people who went missing last week in the Mbhashe Local Municipality in the province has been found. This brings the death toll in the province to three.

ALSO READ: Eastern Cape floods claim at least three lives

THIRD UNKNOWN BODY DISCOVERED

As previously reported by The South African, Another body of an unknown woman estimated to be in her 40s was found on Owen Street near the Komani river on Saturday, 11 February around 16:00.

The deceased is not yet identified, and a case of inquest is under investigation.

“Police are appealing to anyone who may have lost loved ones in the flood, to contact their nearest police station to establish whether the unidentified bodies could be their family members,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu.

ALSO READ: Four people missing in Mpumalanga after floods

SAHRC PROVINCIAL MANAGER SPEAKS ON THE MATTER

SAHRC provincial manager Eileen Carter says measures have been put in place to address the needs of the vulnerable. 

“We can confirm that there were several measures put in place by the provincial government and the municipality to address the needs of the vulnerable in the communities.”

She adds that the lack of attention to climate change will have an impact on future generations. She adds that the SAHRC have to look at whether they are responding to climate change appropriately.

“It is not only affecting our rights, it will be affecting the rights of future generations so ours is to make sure that we have plans and resources in place now to ensure that there is no greater need in the future to address what is currently being seen and not only on our borders but internationally.”