Image: Al-Imdaad Foundation/ Twitter
SA’s 2nd State of Disaster declared in response to widespread flooding
The South African government has officially declared a second State of Disaster in response to widespread flooding.
Image: Al-Imdaad Foundation/ Twitter
The South African government has officially declared a national disaster after heavy rains across the country resulted in fatalities, flooding and widespread destruction.
A notice in the Government Gazette has been published, allowing the basis for financial and humanitarian assistance from the state. Furthermore, this is an additional and separate state of disaster from the one already in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rainfall prompts declaration of second State of Disaster
Head of the National Disaster Management Centre Dr Mmaphaka Tau signed off on the declaration. Tau opted to declare a state of disaster after ‘assessing the magnitude and severity of the severe weather events occurring in parts of the Republic that resulted in the loss of life and damage to property, infrastructure and the environment caused by flooding, strong winds, sinkholes (and) landslides’.
This is a response to the heavy rainfall that has plagued areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and Gauteng. Reports have estimated that R3.3 billion is needed in order to address the effects of the storms that hit KwaZulu-Natal, claiming the lives of 25 citizens.
Non-profit organizations come to the rescue
A non-profit organization ,The Al-Imdaad Foundation, confirmed that it had reached out to affected regions in Ladysmith. In a statement released on the organization’s official social media, the group confirmed that it had partnered with the government during relief efforts.
“The Al-Imdaad Foundation in partnership with the Uthukela District Disaster Management assisted in evacuating people affected by the recent flooding in Ladysmith. The Foundation also assisted with interventions and helped transport the evacuees to the Ladysmith sports complex where they will be accommodated until the situation has settled. Interventions provided by the Al-Imdaad Foundation included hot meals, mattresses, blankets and hygiene packs.”
The Al-Imdaad Foundation
Ramaphosa on COVID-19 state of emergency discussions
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the government is contemplating the way forward with regards to the lengthy State of Disaster implemented amid the pandemic.
“We are examining how best we should handle the state of disaster in this period where the infections have tapered down and to see the efficacy of using the State of Disaster legislation or utilising other measures.
“The National Coronavirus Command Council is examining exactly that to see whether we can use health protocols, health regulations to move forward in our management of this pandemic,”
President Ramaphosa
