Rescue enters fourth day in Kariakoo collapsed building
What you need to know:
- Chief government spokesperson Thobias Makoba said one person was rescued last night and another this morning and the two were taken to hospital for treatment.
Dar es Salaam. Rescuers continued with digging of a collapsed building for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday November 19, 2024, hoping to save people trapped in the rubble.
The four-storey building came down on Saturday at the commercial hub Kariakoo, killing 16 people by Monday afternoon.
According to the government, some 88 people were rescued by that time while others were still trapped in the collapsed building.
Speaking to the media at the scene, chief government spokesperson Thobias Makoba said one person was rescued last night and another this morning and the two were taken to hospital for treatment.
He said the rescue operation is ongoing at the right pace, unlike some people who think it’s slow.
“It is not possible for people who are not at the scene to understand the entire process. From the way the building fell, you cannot remove the rubble by excavators... It is important to do it carefully to stop the building from collapsing more,” said Mr Makoba.
He said rescuers have dug a three-centimeter hole, which helps them to communicate with the people who are under the collapsed building, and supply them with oxygen and water.
In another development, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has instructed Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa to extend rescue operations by 24 more hours.
The directive comes after the 72 hours since the collapse, which claimed 16 lives and caused significant property damage.
In a phone call with the Prime Minister regarding the ongoing rescue operations, President Hassan who is in Brazil attending the G20 Summit, ordered the extension of rescue efforts, emphasising the importance of fighting for the lives of those who might still be trapped beneath the rubble.
“I am aware that rescue operations usually adhere to a 72-hour timeline before being called off. However, I remain hopeful that, by God’s grace, a miracle can happen and save more of our brothers and sisters who remain trapped in the building. I am instructing you not to end the rescue operations but to extend it by another 24 hours to fight for the remaining whom we believe are still alive.”
The president also praised the dedication of the rescue teams and volunteers working on the site.
“To all the teams and citizens involved in saving lives, please convey my deep appreciation. I recognise and value your incredible humanity, patriotism, and hard work. You have shown extraordinary resilience and commitment. I encourage you to stay strong and continue your heroic efforts for our people. You are true national heroes, and I am praying for God to protect and strengthen you as you fulfil this vital and patriotic mission.”
