The government, in terms of the Disaster Management Act 2002, declared a state of national disaster to activate an intensive and coordinated response to the impact of floods that affected Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North. Cape and North West.
According to the spokesperson of the Presidency Vincent Magwenya, the National Disaster Management Center has, in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, classified the impact of the current, above normal rainfall in various parts of the country – with Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape being the most affected impact – as a national disaster.
Homes have been inundated and vehicles swept away by floods and flooded dams and drainage facilities, leading to the loss of basic infrastructure and damage to Limpopo’s roads, bridges and hospitals, Magwenya said.
In terms of agriculture, farmers suffered losses in crops and livestock.
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According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the situation is caused by the global weather phenomenon La Niña which occurs in the Pacific Ocean but has affected countries like South Africa with above normal rainfall.
Forecasts show this weather pattern will remain in the country through early 2023.
“With the continued strengthening of the La Niña event, the country can expect above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures in the summer monsoon region,” Magwenya said.
“Combined, these situations call for the provision of temporary shelter, food and blankets for homeless families and individuals and the rehabilitation of valuable infrastructure.”
With the declaration of a state of national disaster, the South African Police Service and the South African National Defense Force may be required to respond to the disaster.
“President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the affected communities across the country and the President appreciates the way government entities, non-governmental organizations and community-based structures have responded so far.”