Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
disaster managementlatest news & developments

Cape Town storm floods 26 informal settlements and damages more than 10 000 structures

More than 41 000 people have been affected by severe flooding in Cape Town as South Africa declares a national disaster after storms, heavy rain and wind batter multiple provinces

IFP leader Velenkosi Hlabisa. (@GovernmentZA/X)

Cooperative governance allocates R1.4 billion to disaster management

The money will allow municipalities to rebuild structures damaged by floods, said Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa

Six days on: Johannesb by Scott Peter Smith

One dead, 48 injured in Johannesburg CBD explosion

By early Thursday morning, authorities were still trying to dissuade residents from walking over the jigsawed road, where the smell of gas was strong

Nowhere are the effects of the environmental, health, governance and energy crises more manifest than in our cities.

Cities have shown the way in responding to emergencies and crises

Disasters and emergencies should be used by our cities as an opportunity to learn, innovate and bring about systemic changes to mitigate future risks

End despair: Artist Banksy’s 2019 tribute to the Extinction Rebellion, a movement that wants states to stop global warming, which causes extreme weather and disrupts ecosystems.  (Alberto Pezzali/NurPhoto)

Disaster preparedness can’t wait

But solutions can only be truly effective if funding and threat information reaches the local level

Informal settlements are difficult for disaster management teams to access, but the Gauteng team has received international accolades and acclaim. (Photos: Gulshan Khan/AFP & Times Media)

Disaster management and fire & rescue services: a story of heroes and heroines

Gauteng’s Urban Search and Rescue team earns international recognition

“The fire is still on and we have asked for reinforcements from the City of Ekurhuleni and Tshwane,” said Jacob Mamabolo. (Renata Larroyd/MG)

#JoburgFire: Neighbouring buildings asked to evaluate

The fire began burning again on Thursday, and the City of Johannesburg has called for reinforcements

The cargo ship MV Asphalt Venture arrives in Mombasa in 2011. After the vehicle was ‘arrested’ in Richard’s Bay the legal dispute landed up in a South African high court.

R6-billion for drought relief

The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister has allocated more funds to relieve drought affecting several provinces

Fire engulfs Noordhoek

Cape Town scales back ‘Herculean’ firefighting efforts

The City of Cape Town continues, however, to monitor hotspots for flare-ups in the South Peninsula, with Chapman’s Peak Drive remaining closed.

Thursday’s storm caused extensive damage to property in Soshanguve and Mamelodi

Tshwane declares state of disaster after violent storms

The City of Tshwane has declared a state of disaster in two areas, following heavy storms that caused damage of an estimated R100-million.

The beast’s belly

Niren Tolsi speaks to the men and women who have been keeping KwaZulu-Natal’s monstrous blaze at bay.

Murderous welcome for refugees

Despite the death of five foreigners, provincial officials insist reintegration has been successful.

Of no fixed abode

Refugees and asylum seekers are being given the option of repatriation or reintegration — and most see it as a choice between dying here or at home.

‘There is still a crisis’

Immigrants endure inhumane conditions, but would rather stay than return to their communities when the camps close on July 23.