The South African government has declared a national state of disaster due to widespread flooding in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, the Northern Cape, and the North West. This is in accordance with Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002.
Picture: GettyImages
The president’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said in a statement that ‘a national disaster may be declared by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs where disastrous events occur or threaten to occur in more than one province.’
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has received reports of flooded homes and vehicles being swept away, overflowing dams and sewage facilities, as well as damage to basic infrastructure. Farmers are also suffering the loss of crops and livestock.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) predicts heavy rainfall to continue.
‘These conditions have been brought on by the La Niña global weather phenomenon which occurs in the Pacific Ocean but impacts a country like South Africa with above-normal rainfall.
‘With the continued strengthening of the La Niña event, the country can expect above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures over the summer rainfall areas.’
The NDMC continues to be on high alert to respond to any emergencies that may over, and national entities are expected to partake in disaster response.
‘President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with affected communities across the country and the President appreciates the way in which entities of the government, non-governmental organisations, and community-based structures have responded to date.’
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Kruger floods update: National park braces for continued high rainfall
