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Hazards & Disasters: Stay Prepared!

Disasters and Emergencies

Hazards & Disasters: Stay Prepared! Disasters and Emergencies Learn more about disasters Planning Ahead What to do? Useful Toolkits Early Warning EARTHQUAKES AND TREMORSWhen the ground shakes, we all feel

Learn more about disasters

Planning
Ahead

Hazards & Disasters: Stay Prepared! Disasters and Emergencies Learn more about disasters Planning Ahead What to do? Useful Toolkits Early Warning EARTHQUAKES AND TREMORSWhen the ground shakes, we all feel

What to do?

Useful
Toolkits

Hazards & Disasters: Stay Prepared! Disasters and Emergencies Learn more about disasters Planning Ahead What to do? Useful Toolkits Early Warning EARTHQUAKES AND TREMORSWhen the ground shakes, we all feel

Early Warning
EARTHQUAKES AND TREMORS
When the ground shakes, we all feel the fear. Stay aware, be prepared, and keep your safety near.
Learn more
HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODS
Be flood-ready before heavy rains disrupt your day!
Learn more
FIRES
Don't let fires ignite, it's easier to prevent than to fight!
More about Fires
  • Government has noted with concern the reported cases of flooding in various parts of the country due to heavy rains. 
  • Heavy rainfall is the main cause of flooding. We urge people to stay indoors in cases of heavy rain and stormy weather. 
  • People living in low lying areas which often experience flooding should take extra caution, and monitor weather alerts on radio, television and from local leaders.
  • We also urge people to never try to walk, swim or drive through fast-moving flood water.
  • Government urges citizens to ensure that children are safe and do not cross flooded roads, bridges and rivers. 
  • Provincial and Local Disaster Management teams across the country are on alert and assisting communities affected by the floods. 
  • Municipal and national dam levels are being monitored to asses if they pose a flood threat. 
  • For more weather warnings, visit: https://www.weathersa.co.za/

Frequently Asked
Questions

1. What are the most common natural disaster hazards in South Africa?

South Africa faces a range of hazards but the main disaster-generating hazards include flooding, fires, drought, windstorms, hail, lighting, and seismic events such as landslides.

Focuses on the specific measures and strategies in place to mitigate the impact of droughts, including water conservation efforts and drought response plans.

Drought Early Warning Systems:

The country has early warning systems to monitor rainfall, water levels, and other indicators. This allows for early detection of drought conditions, enabling timely intervention and preparedness.

Water Conservation and Demand Management:

Public awareness campaigns promote water conservation practices, and water demand management initiatives are implemented to ensure efficient water use across sectors.

Infrastructure Development:

Investment in water infrastructure, such as dams, reservoirs, and water supply systems, aims to enhance the country’s capacity to store and distribute water efficiently, especially during periods of water scarcity.

Drought Risk Assessments:

Regular assessments of drought risk, vulnerability, and impact help inform planning and resource allocation for drought response and mitigation.

Climate Change Adaptation:

Considering the impact of climate change on water availability, the country incorporates climate change adaptation strategies into water resource management plans.

Research and Innovation:

Ongoing research and development efforts focus on innovative solutions for drought resilience, including technologies for water harvesting, efficient irrigation, and drought-resistant crops.

The country is divided in two seasonal rainfall regimes that includes the winter rainfall areas from May to August for the southeast and western regions and October to March for the northern and eastern coastal belt of South Africa.

  • Explores the policies, firefighting strategies, and community awareness programs aimed at preventing and managing wildfires.
  • South Africa is addressing the issue of wildfires in terms of the National Veld and Forestry Act no 101 of 1998. The act requires the establishment of Fire Protection Associations within Municipalities. In terms of the Act, land owners are required to affiliate with respective FPAs and assist with programmes that are aimed at preventing and managing wildfires in conjunction with Municipal fire services and other role players (such as Working on Fire and Designated Services)

It looks at the governmental responsibilities, coordination efforts, and support systems to protect and assist citizens during disasters.

It looks at the governmental responsibilities, coordination efforts, and support systems to protect and assist citizens during disasters.

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries developed the National Climate Change Adaption Strategy among other interventions. The key outcome for this strategic intervention is to work towards “Increased resilience and adaptive capacity achieved in human, economic, environment, physical and ecological infrastructure vulnerability.” Scaling up and replicating adaptation interventions are considered an effective and efficient way to reduce vulnerability and build adaptive capacity. These interventions or projects are spread across various sectors within the country to reduce the level of vulnerabilities within communities and these include:

  • Adaptation actions that ensure benefits to communities and vulnerable groups.
  • Adopt climate resilient approaches to natural resource management to restore and maintain ecosystem goods and services.
  • Invest in knowledge and capacity building for climate-resilient rural livelihoods.
  • Create a more adaptive energy system to reduce dependence on a centralized system and increase distributed generation, especially in rural areas.
  • Support farmers to implement more efficient climate-smart and conservation agriculture practices.
  • Adopt water-wise water management practices in urban areas.
7. Are there early warning systems in place for seismic activities in South Africa, and how effective are they?
  • South Africa is not particularly prone to large-scale earthquake events. There is an eastern fault belt from Mozambique down to the KZN eastern region and the Indian Ocean.
  • Many seismic events are because of anthropogenic activities such as mining.
  • South Africa has a specific organisation in the form of the Council for Geological Survey under the Department of Mineral and Energy that provides an indicative hazard profile focusing on seismic activities.
  • There is no formal predictable model in place except for the delineation of hazard areas and monitoring of seismic activities through in ground sensors that feedback into the Council for Geoscience.
  • Highlights specific initiatives and plans targeted at safeguarding vulnerable populations in informal settlements during disasters.
  • Implementation of evacuation plans to move people to safer places
  • Dissemination of warnings
  • Mapping of potentially hazardous areas and communicating them with the community
  • Community engagement education and training to prepare the communities to better respond to disasters.
  • Providing emergency health services to the people

Explores the collaborative efforts and partnerships with international bodies and neighbouring nations to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Regional Cooperation:

  • South Africa is involved in regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC). SADC facilitates cooperation among member states on various issues, including disaster risk reduction and response.

African Union (AU) Involvement:

  • As a member of the African Union, South Africa collaborates with other African nations to address common challenges, including disasters. The AU may coordinate efforts and provide a platform for information sharing and resource mobilization.

Bilateral Agreements:

  • South Africa has bilateral agreements with neighboring countries for disaster management and relief. These agreements often outline mechanisms for mutual assistance, resource sharing, and joint response efforts.

International Humanitarian Partnerships:

  • South Africa collaborates with international humanitarian organizations such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and various UN agencies. These partnerships facilitate the exchange of expertise, resources, and the coordination of relief efforts.

Foreign Aid and Assistance:

  • During major disasters, South Africa may receive foreign aid and assistance from other countries. This support can include financial aid, relief supplies, and technical expertise.

Participation in Global Initiatives:

  • South Africa actively participates in global disaster risk reduction initiatives and adaptation to climate change. This involvement allows the country to contribute to and benefit from international best practices and knowledge sharing.

Capacity Building and Training:

  • South Africa may engage with international organizations to enhance its disaster management capabilities through training programs, workshops, and the exchange of technical expertise.

Information Sharing:

  • South Africa participates in international forums where information on disaster management, risk reduction strategies, and best practices are shared. This helps the country stay informed about global trends and lessons learned.

Diplomatic Channels:

  • Diplomatic channels are utilized to strengthen relationships with neighboring countries and international partners. This includes discussions on disaster preparedness, response coordination, and collaboration on risk reduction initiatives.
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  • Provides information on post-disaster assistance, rehabilitation programs, and financial and social support systems to aid affected individuals and communities in recovery.
  • The Disaster Management Centres play a key role in coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts at all levels.
  • Community members must contact their municipal disaster management centres for assistance
  • Various sectors across all spheres of government are involved in managing disaster response and recovery efforts. They may assist such as temporary shelter, health services, social relief of distress (disaster relief grants), and reissuing of documents such as identity documents, death certificates, etc.
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community and Volunteer Groups also work with the government to assist with community support during disasters.
  • Information and Communication through various media platforms are also available for the public for guidance during disasters.