Latest News & Developments
natural disaster
First responders reflect on the April 2022 KZN floods and key lessons learned
Three years after the catastrophic floods in KwaZulu-Natal, first responders recount their harrowing experiences and the vital lessons learned from one of the province's most devastating natural disasters.
From tornado to triumph: Seatides Combined School’s heartwarming comeback
After a tornado devastated Seatides Combined School in oThongathi, the community, led by Gift of the Givers, has come together to restore the school, with part of it now ready for pupils.
Trump’s USAID cuts cripple American response to Myanmar earthquake
As Myanmar reels from a devastating 7. 7-magnitude earthquake killing thousands, Trump's dismantling of USAID has left America's disaster response paralysed.
Durban family prays for missing son after devastating Myanmar earthquake
A Durban family anxiously awaits news of Cowan Titus, who is missing following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar.
Man pulled alive from rubble of a Myanmar hotel five days after the earthquake
A man was pulled alive from the rubble of a Myanmar hotel on Wednesday, officials said, five days after a devastating earthquake hit the country, killing more than 2,700 people.
Devastating earthquake in Myanmar: Over 2,000 dead and national mourning declared
Myanmar will hold a minute of silence on Tuesday in tribute to victims of a catastrophic earthquake that has killed more than 2,000 people, buckling roads and flattening buildings as far away as Bangkok.
Fear of aftershocks in Myanmar forces patients into hospital car park
Following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, hundreds of patients, including vulnerable groups, are being treated in a hospital car park.
Death toll rises to 17 in Bangkok earthquake linked to Myanmar disaster
The death toll in Bangkok from a massive earthquake that hit Myanmar and Thailand rose to 17 on Sunday, city authorities said. Myanmar death toll has risen to 1,600.
Myanmar Earthquake: Woman rescued alive from collapsed apartment block
Rescuers pulled a woman alive from the wreckage of a collapsed apartment building in Mandalay on Saturday, 30 hours after a devastating quake hit Myanmar.
Myanmar Earthquake: More than 90 feared trapped in apartment block
More than 90 people could be trapped inside the crushed remains of an apartment block in Mandalay in central Myanmar destroyed by a devastating earthquake, a Red Cross official told AFP on Saturday as rescuers worked to free the victims.
'Blink of an eye': survivor tells of Bangkok skyscraper collapse horror
A construction worker recounts his harrowing escape as a skyscraper in Bangkok collapsed during a massive earthquake, leaving families desperate for news of their loved ones.
Employers’ responsibilities during severe weather: A look at KwaZulu-Natal
As KwaZulu-Natal faces severe weather challenges, the responsibilities of employers towards their employees come into question. Trade unions and experts weigh in on the duty of care owed to workers during natural disasters.
How SAWS's new warning system helps save lives during severe weather
The SA Weather Service's revolutionary warning system is changing how South Africans prepare for dangerous weather. Learn how this colour-coded system could help protect your family and property from severe weather impacts.
Heavy rains unleash tragedy in uMgungundlovu District as search teams recover 3 bodies
As heavy rainfall threatens the uMgungundlovu District, residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines.
Urgent need for relocation plans after Lamontville floods
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli visits flood-affected communities, emphasising the urgent need for relocation plans for Lamontville residents and addressing climate change impacts.
KZN on high alert: Orange Level 6 warning issued as severe storms approach
KwaZulu-Natal residents face potentially dangerous conditions as weather authorities escalate warnings to Orange Level 6, with forecasts predicting severe flooding risks and widespread disruption from Thursday evening. Multiple districts are on high alert as authorities warn of significant infrastructure damage and life-threatening conditions.
Minister Simelane questions the spirit of Ubuntu amidst flood victim displacement
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane addresses the challenges faced by flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal, questioning the community’s commitment to Ubuntu and outlining government interventions for housing and support.
KwaZulu-Natal floods: Human Settlements Minister calls for new approaches to housing
In the wake of devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane discusses urgent housing solutions and the need for innovative building practices.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier calls for climate-conscious land allocation after deadly rains
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has urged traditional leaders to consider climate change when allocating land for housing, following tragic incidents caused by severe weather.
South Africa’s flooding crisis exposes the need for effective disaster management- AfriForum
Recent flooding in South Africa highlights the urgent need for effective disaster management, as AfriForum criticises municipalities for their lack of preparedness and resources.
Tornado wreaks havoc in Montana, Pretoria forcing evacuations and causing extensive damage
Strong winds cause severe damage in Montana North, with flooding reports from surrounding areas
Innovative early warning system in KZN to combat extreme weather
Discover how a collaborative project is creating an early warning system in KZN to protect vulnerable communities from extreme weather events.
New R46 million early warning system aims to protect KZN communities from extreme weather
Groundbreaking R46 million early warning system project to be created to protect KwaZulu-Natal communities from extreme weather events
New AI-powered early warning system to combat climate-induced disasters in KZN
An innovative collaboration between universities and health institutions aims to develop an AI-driven early warning system to protect vulnerable communities in South Africa from extreme weather events.
KwaZulu-Natal storm highlights need for improved disaster preparedness
The recent storm in KwaZulu-Natal has caused extensive damage, prompting the DA to call for urgent improvements in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.