Flirting with (natural) disaster – Recent floods highlight need for adequate forecasting

Abstract

Disaster management Flirting with (natural) disaster – Recent floods highlight need for adequate forecasting The trip home from work turned into a frightening ordeal for scores of commuters in the eastern parts of the Greater Johannesburg Area on 9 November, when flash flooding following a thunderstorm changed major roads into raging torrents. Some cars were washed off embankments or completely submerged, prompting heroic behaviour and human-chain rescue efforts by members of the public. The Jukskei River burst its banks in Alexander, destroying shacks in an informal settlement and sweeping away their owners’ meagre belongings, while underground parking areas at OR Tambo International Airport were inundated with water, causing severe damage to some cars. At least seven people died as a result of the natural disaster. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had issued a watch for severe thunderstorms at 14:15 for the southern parts of Gauteng, and at 16:33 this was escalated to a warning for heavy downpours and small hail for the Midvaal area.

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