Government Declares National State Of Disaster To Tackle Widespread Floods

President Ramaphosa on Monday declared South Africa's widespread flooding a National State of Disaster under the Disaster Management Act "to enable an intensive response to widespread floods."

This comes after the catastrophic flooding that negatively impacted the country's seven regions.

According to a statement released by the president's office Monday, The Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga have been the worst affected by flooding. Other areas that have experienced flooding include Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, the Northern Cape, and North West.

The floods were caused by heavy rain brought on by the La Nina weather phenomenon.

"The National Disaster Management Centre has, in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, classified the impact of current, above-normal rainfall in various parts of the country as a national disaster," the statement read.

The government further disclosed the National Disaster Management Centre has received reports of flooded homes, overflowing dams and sewerage, the loss of fundamental infrastructure, and damage to highways, bridges, and a hospital in Limpopo, EWN reported.

"National entities, including the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force, may be required to play a role in response to the disaster to assist where needed," the statement read in part.

Farmers have also suffered massive crop and livestock losses. Moreover, the South African Weather Services (SAWS) forecast that the weather trend will continue until the first few months of 2023.

"Forecasts indicate this weather pattern will remain in this state during the early part of 2023," said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) will keep track of and coordinate the recovery and efforts made by the state agencies and stakeholders. This will involve the SAWS disseminating early warnings and advisories regarding weather forecasts.

In early February 2023, two people, by local media, were reported dead in the flooded Mlumati River (also known as Lomati). One person died near Kamhlushwa. Another fatality was reported in Driekoppies.

Several rivers, notably the Komani River in Chris Hani District Municipality, overflowed their banks and flooded parts of the town of Komani on Feb. 8. Consequently, approximately 1,000 people, including 123 children and 24 infants, were relocated and sheltered at a nearby school.