Study warns KZN of more natural d isasters
COASTAL municipalities in Kwazulunatal were at a higher risk of being struck by tropical storms and natural disasters similar to Mozambique.
An international study that was led by the University of Kwazulu-natal was recently published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The study set out to inspect seabed sediments and found that tropical cyclones could arise and make landfall on the eastern coast of the country due to climate change.
The study was led by UKZN Geology Professor Andrew Green, honorary research Professor Andrew Cooper and Shannon Dixon from UKZN, who teamed up with Professor Matthias Zabel and Annette Hahn from the University of Bremen’s Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences in Germany, and Carlos Loureiro from the University of Stirling in the UK.
The geologists investigated the sediment samples from the seabed off the coast of Durban and discovered that in the past and under higher sea levels, storms were more devastating.
“We found distinctive sediments that were deposited by severe storms that struck the coast between approximately five and 7 000 years ago.”
Green added that the storms were much bigger than any storm that happened over the past 4 000 years.
“This has allowed the storm sediments, or tempestites, to be preserved just beneath the seabed. The period of increased storminess coincided with warmer sea temperatures in the Indian Ocean and this allowed tropical storms to travel further south than they do presently,” he said.
The fear was that these storms could return due to climate change.
KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson, Senzo Mzila, welcomed the study.
“It adds to the much-needed body of knowledge critical for planning and mitigation of disaster impact, particularly to prevent mortalities and minimise environmental and infrastructural damages,” he said.
Mzila said that the province had already started to experience a high frequency and intensity of severe weather events such as thunderstorms and tropical cyclones.
“Over the years, we have built substantial provincial disaster risk management, institutional capacity, as well as considerable efficiency in implementation of our disaster response co-ordination. In the process, a deliberate effort has been made to provide support to establish and augment municipal disaster management capacity through technical support and financial means,” he said.
ethekwini Municipality spokesperson, Lindiwe Khuzwayo, said a disaster management action response plan for the city was available.
“This plan requires each sector to identify their assets and areas of responsibility and to prepare disaster response plans. In terms of flooding, high-frequency flooding areas have been identified and flood hazard mapping has been produced. Proactive maintenance programmes and other initiatives to reduce flooding risks in these areas have been prioritised.”
Khuzwayo said the city had established a Forecast Early Warning System.
“The system forecasts severe storm events on a one to three-day forecast based on local and global forecasts. This contributes to the municipality's preparedness for these abnormal storm events. In addition, a municipal disaster management centre has been established,” she said.
Mdu Ncalane, spokesperson of the umhlathuze Municipality, said they worked in partnership to ensure their preparedness.
“We have an effective disaster management unit that works jointly with the King Cetshwayo District Municipality's Disaster Management Forum. The forum also includes departments such as Cogta and Health,” he said.
Ncalane said that they also oversaw the Port of Richards Bay and have held regular discussions on natural disasters and cyclones.
“The team is monitoring developments and it prepares accordingly. The disaster management unit will indicate when it's the correct time to send warnings to members of the public.
“Information on what to do to prevent damages and loss of life, property and animals is being distributed through pamphlets in the communities and they include what to do during evacuations,” he said.
Remote Sensing Scientist, Morwapula Mashalane, from the SA National Space Agency said they had built satellite-derived natural disaster early warning tools to help government reduce the risk and prepare for natural disasters.