Severe flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape since June 1, 2024, has caused extensive damage and loss of life. The NSRI has been pivotal in rescue operations, saving numerous lives.
This latest catastrophe, which began on June 1, 2024, has highlighted the vulnerabilities and urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in these areas.
“The scale of destruction is heartbreaking,” said Sihle Zikalala, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, in a press release on June 4th, 2024.
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hailstorms have battered the southern and eastern parts of South Africa, with the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces bearing the brunt. The persistent downpours caused rivers to overflow, leading to severe weather incidents that increased casualties and widespread destruction.
Infrastructure suffered severe damage in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in the eThekwini Metro, Ilembe, and Howick areas.
Roads were blocked by debris, schools were impacted, and critical infrastructure was compromised. The floods resulted in seven fatalities, predominantly in Durban, and hundreds of residents had to be evacuated from low-lying and informal settlement areas due to the risk of rivers overflowing.
In the Eastern Cape, significant damage was reported in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, affecting areas such as Kariega, Blue Horizon Bay, and Seaview. The floods resulted in 11 fatalities, with 2,000 people evacuated and numerous homes destroyed.
Understanding the historical context of previous floods helps shed light on the recurring nature of these disasters. KwaZulu-Natal, in particular, has a history of severe floods.
The April 2022 floods were among the most devastating in the province’s history, resulting in over 400 deaths and massive disruptions to infrastructure, including the suspension of port operations in Durban. Similarly, the Eastern Cape faced significant flooding in June 2023, causing widespread damage and several fatalities. These historical events underscore the regions’ ongoing vulnerability to severe weather.
Why are we seeing more flooding?
Reuters reported in 2022 that the World Weather Attribution group analysed weather data and digital simulations to compare today’s climate to before the industrial revolution in the late 1800s.
“The results showed that an extreme rainfall episode such as this one [the 2022 floods] can now be expected to happen about once every 20 years,” a report on the study said.
“Without human-caused global warming, such an event would only happen once every 40 years, so it has become about twice as common as a result of greenhouse gas emissions.”
The increasing frequency of storms and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape can be attributed to several factors, primarily linked to climate change and environmental mismanagement.
Global warming is leading to more intense and frequent weather events. Higher temperatures result in increased evaporation rates, more atmospheric moisture, and consequently, heavier rainfall.
This is particularly evident in South Africa, where increased sea surface temperatures contribute to stronger storms and higher rainfall volumes. Rapid urbanisation and inadequate planning have exacerbated the impact of floods.
Many urban areas lack proper drainage systems, and informal settlements are often situated in flood-prone zones. This urban sprawl into vulnerable areas without sufficient infrastructure to manage heavy rains significantly increases flood risks.
The loss of natural buffers, such as forests and wetlands, which absorb excess rainfall, has worsened the situation. These areas act as natural barriers, reducing the speed and volume of water flowing into urban areas. Their destruction due to development and agriculture increases the risk of floods – additionally, ageing and inadequate infrastructure struggle to cope with the volume of water during heavy rainfall events. Poor maintenance of stormwater drains and other water management systems leads to blockages and overflows, exacerbating the flooding problem.
The NSRI’s crucial role in disaster response
During the June 2024 floods, the NSRI played a crucial role in rescue and relief operations in both KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the NSRI collaborated with other emergency services to assist in evacuating residents from flooded areas, rescuing people trapped in vehicles and homes, and providing essential support to other relief organisations.
Their efforts included rescuing individuals from vehicles trapped in floodwaters and assisting in evacuations from high-risk areas such as Kariega, Blue Horizon Bay, and Seaview. The NSRI’s involvement was part of a broader response that included the deployment of disaster management teams and the South African National Defence Force to assist with rescue missions and provide aid to affected communities.
In the Eastern Cape, the NSRI conducted multiple rescue missions, saving about 70 people across 55 operations. They rescued individuals from vehicles trapped in floodwaters and assisted in evacuations from high-risk areas. They worked alongside organisations like Gift of the Givers and Rescue South Africa, showcasing the importance of coordinated efforts during natural disasters. The NSRI’s contributions were vital in mitigating the impact of the floods and ensuring the safety of many individuals in these affected regions.
Specific incidents further illustrate the extent of the NSRI’s involvement. In KwaZulu-Natal, NSRI Durban assisted the emergency services during a heavy storm on June 3, 2024, which caused extensive damage. The storm resulted in fallen trees blocking roadways, damage to buildings, roofs, and power lines, flying debris, and extensive flooding both in the suburbs and on the freeways. The NSRI was involved in coordinating emergency response activities, clearing trees and debris, and assisting residents in safely accessing their homes.
NSRI East London also responded to flood-related incidents on June 2, 2024, including the rescue of individuals from vehicles trapped in floodwaters and assisting in evacuations from high-risk areas.
At one location, NSRI teams rescued six people from a vehicle trapped in the flooded Brak River, Rocklands. The situation was dire, with the vehicle almost completely swamped and the floodwaters increasing. The NSRI, along with police divers and other emergency services, set up a technical rope and pulley system to safely rescue the trapped individuals.
These detailed rescue operations highlight the critical role of the NSRI in ensuring the safety of affected individuals during severe weather events. The coordinated efforts of the NSRI with other emergency and disaster response teams highlight the importance of robust and well-prepared rescue operations during natural disasters.
The severe floods in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape underscore the urgent need for improved infrastructure, better urban planning, and robust measures to combat climate change.
– Herman Eloff
NSRI
www.nsri.org.za
