National state of disaster declared due to continued widespread flooding Posted by Jordyn Johnson on 14 February 2023 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 Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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