The water level of the Limpopo river running through Gaza province is receding slowly upstream as the latest surge passes. This means that some parts of the roads will soon be accessible and can be used for delivery of aid. It is reported that over 10,000 persons have been rescued so far. The South Africa General in charge of this rescue operation did not consider that additional helicopters were needed for operations in the area. Initial estimates suggest that people be in need of shelter, blankets, cooking utensils and hurricane lamps.
Separated children are another concern.
The Government advises that those still stranded on roods are declining to leave expecting to be able to reoccupy their houses shortly as the floodwater recedes. The main focus of the relief operations at present is to rescue marooned people and ensure the supply of food and medical requirements. A number of helicopters and aircraft have been provided mainly from the US and the UK in the last two days, which brings the total helicopters available to 29. The fixed wing fleet will almost double to 24. 120 boats supplied by the UK and the Netherlands are arriving today and will be deployed to the Limpopo River.