On Christmas morning, while many families were enjoying the day with their loved ones, IPSS Search & Rescue started receiving reports of a devastating flash flood that had occurred on Christmas Eve in the Ladysmith area. A small team from Ladysmith SAPS K9 Search & Rescue had begun the search at 2am, with additional resources being requested.
Within 2 hours of receiving the request for help, our team was on the road. They selflessly gave up their time with their loved ones to search for those that had gone missing.
The team from SAPS K9 Search & Rescue and IPSS Search & Rescue continued the search of a vast area covered in mud, debris, and fast flowing rivers, which in many areas were still too dangerous to enter.
The arrival of additional resources from SAPS Search & Rescue, SAPS K9 Search & Rescue, the Municipality, Fire Departments, and various other private agencies were welcomed as the teams started to find the missing flood victims.
By the end of the week, there were over 60 rescuers and 12 K9s searching the area, covering km’s every day to bring closure to families.
The death toll sits at over 20, with still more missing. The search will continue.
With sufficient resources on the scene, the decision was made to bring our team home after an exhausting week. We thank our volunteers, those who were deployed and those who volunteered, who, without question or complaint, were ready to go.
We also have to extend a massive thank you to groups like the Al-Imdaad Foundation, who have provided support to those who have been affected by the floods and the rescuers on the ground. To the community who assisted with the search, who have rallied around the flood victims and rescuers. To the private businesses in Ladysmith, for providing meals and accommodation to the rescuers during this devastating time. To the Municipality and various government organisations who have offered support on the ground to all affected.
Our condolences are with those who have lost loved ones and entire families. Our thoughts are with those who have loved ones still missing, and we hope that rescuers can bring closure to your families.
IPSS Search & Rescue is an NPO, and without some incredible partners, none of this would be possible, so thank you for believing and supporting our mission to serve our community. PACSys Al-Imdaad Foundation Killarney Toyota Stanger Suzuki Salt Rock Buckenham 4×4 Seaton The Tax Company