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News24 reports that the government has declared another national state of disaster, this time in response to widespread flooding across the country – with forecasters warning that persistent and heavy rains this week could put a prolonged strain on rescue teams.
In an unexpected statement on Monday night, the Presidency said the declaration would enable "an intensive, coordinated response" to the impact of floods in Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, the Northern Cape, and North West regions. Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national state of disaster in response to the power crisis. While the latest declaration of a state of disaster over flooding is seen to be necessary, it remains to be seen where government will get the resources needed to ensure affected communities are helped quickly. The SA Police Service and the SA National Defence Force may be required to play a role in the response to the disaster. The flooding follows widespread and often heavy rainfall over the eastern and north-eastern provinces from last week. A number of people died after being swept away, while disaster management officials also responded to reports of flooded homes, submerged vehicles and people trapped on roofs. According to the SA Weather Service (SAWS), major rivers, especially those transiting the Kruger National Park and the Lowveld, have been in full flood since the start of the weekend. SAWS has warned of further "persistent and heavy downpours", especially over the Lowveld and along the escarpment areas of both Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Bhengu at News24 (subscriber access only)
- Read too, Government declares floods a national state of disaster, at BusinessLive
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page