insert_link Environment Veld fires reported behind Ludwigdorf as Windhoek battles increased fire risk Ludwigsdorf veld fire, Windhoek 11/9/2025 Emergency services in Windhoek are battling veld fires that broke out behind Ludwigdorf, driven by strong winds. The City of Windhoek has urged residents in nearby areas to remain vigilant, avoid starting open flames, and report any fire outbreaks immediately. Chief of Emergency Services, Raymond Kapia, said the dry and windy conditions have significantly raised the fire risk across the city. Authorities are maintaining a […] today11 September, 2025
insert_link South Africa Firefighters in the Cape Winelands battling multiple fires Firefighters in the Cape Winelands faced a tough night battling multiple fires. Spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto says the Dunstone and Rooshoek fires near Wellington were contained, while teams at Oaklands diverted flames away from horse stables and plantations. In Witzenberg, successful backburns helped contain key fire lines. Otto confirmed that crews continue mopping up and monitoring hotspots as efforts to control the blazes persist: today24 February, 2025
insert_link World Tsunami warning called off after Northern California quake US officials have called off a tsunami warning, that was issued in the wake of a strong earthquake off the coast of Northern California, Millions of people had been instructed to evacuate coastal areas and head to higher ground. Ira Spitzer reports from San Francisco. today6 December, 2024
insert_link Health / Medical South Africa classifies foodborne diseases as a national disaster South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre has declared a national disaster due to an increase in foodborne illnesses caused by poor food safety practices. Following 890 reported cases of foodborne illnesses, mostly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the declaration mandates a multisectoral relief plan. The country’s Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi. today21 November, 2024
insert_link Africa Nelson Mandela Bay residents evacuated due to heavy rains and floods Severe flooding following heavy rain overnight has resulted in scores of Eastern Cape residents, particularly in Gqeberha and Kariega, being evacuated. A level six warning of heavy rain was issued yesterday. Gift of the Givers’ operations manager, Ali Sablay, told the SABC they are currently in contact with the local disaster management teams who are identifying and trying to evacuate more residents in different areas. Meanwhile, more heavy rain is […] today22 October, 2024
insert_link South Africa KwaZulu-Natal issues snowfall warnings Disaster management teams in KwaZulu-Natal have been activated in response to forecasts of possible snowfall next week. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi told residents to expect extremely cold temperatures on Monday and Tuesday, particularly in areas around the Drakensberg mountains. The department’s Senzelwe Mzila has more. This time around disaster teams will ensure that they put all the necessary measures in place to prevent a situation […] today26 September, 2024
insert_link Africa Lesotho declares food insecurity emergency Lesotho's government says people are at risk of extreme hunger in the next eight months. The country's Prime Minister Sam Matekane has declared a national food insecurity disaster spanning eight months from July 2024 to March 2025. The Lesotho Times reports Matekane announced that severe El Niño-induced droughts are causing extreme hunger for at least 700,000 Basotho, a notable rise from the 582,000 affected in the 2022/2023 period. This crisis, […] today24 July, 2024
insert_link Environment Extreme weather in South Africa is disrupting tourism – research tracks the impact on coastal areas By Kaitano Dube, Vaal University of Technology South Africa has experienced some extreme weather events in recent months. These have included floods and an uncommon tornado in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, floods in the Eastern Cape and mid-latitude cyclones in the Western Cape. Kaitano Dube, a human geographer who has researched tourism, extreme weather and resilience to climatic threats, says these severe storms are […] today15 July, 2024
insert_link Environment Cold temperatures, widespread rainfall and flooding continues over parts of South Africa In a recent report regarding the consequences of the storm in Cape Town, the City's Disaster Risk Management told SA media outlet Independent Online that nearly 3,000 structures suffered damage by the gale-force winds, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms that have battered the Western Cape. This as extreme weather conditions continue along South Africa's southern and eastern coasts until Wednesday. Officials reported storms with heavy rain and strong winds hitting the […] today9 April, 2024
