Government declares national state of disaster amidst floods

The government declared a national state of disaster on Monday, February 13, to allow for an intensive, coordinated response to the impact of floods in KZN (with Newcastle and Dundee particularly hard hit) , Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, the Northern Cape, and North West.

According to a statement released by government, the National Disaster Management Centre has declared the current, above-normal rainfall in various parts of the country a national disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, with Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape being the most affected.

The National Disaster Management Centre has received reports of flooded homes, vehicles washed away by floodwaters, overflowing dams and sewerage facilities, and the loss of basic infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and a Limpopo hospital.

Farmers in agriculture have suffered crop and livestock losses, and the South African Weather Service predicts that the current heavy rains will continue.

These conditions have been caused by the La Nia global weather phenomenon, which occurs in the Pacific Ocean but has an impact on a country like South Africa with above-normal rainfall.

Forecasts indicate that this weather pattern will persist into early 2023.

The presence of a La Nia event usually has the greatest impact on rainfall during the mid-summer months.

With the La Nia event continuing to strengthen, the country can expect above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures in the summer rainfall areas.

Taken together, these conditions necessitate the provision of temporary shelters, food, and blankets to homeless families and individuals, as well as large-scale, costly infrastructure rehabilitation.

The South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force may be called upon to assist in the disaster response.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is still monitoring and coordinating response and recovery efforts by relevant state organs and stakeholders. This also includes the South African Weather Service’s distribution of early warnings and advisories on weather forecasts (SAWS).

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with affected communities across the country, and he appreciates how government entities, non-governmental organisations, and community-based structures have responded to assist those affected.

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