It is that time of the year where KwaZulu – Natal (a province in South Africa) experiences a new form of mayhem for the third time in a row.
Durban city is still recovering from the July 2021 looting incident (Dury, 2021) where many are still unemployed from large businesses being burnt out of business, the massive floods during April 2022 which as per an article from Wits university states that it is “the most catastrophic event recorded yet in KwaZulu- Natal” followed by the breakout of e coli, as per the iconic petition attached below, basic human rights to a safe and healthy environment was not met. Now, without a warning, a Tornado rated with EF1 took place on Tuesday the 27th of June 2023.
Consistent destruction of infrastructure, private property and harm to the public can only bring extreme level devastation to many in the area.
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as per the name, is a disorder that is effective after a terrifying event. Meanwhile, in SA, civilians are always in a state of despair. South Africans experience constant trauma!
It is just so heartbreaking to see and hear the screams and cries for help from the videos taken of the disaster. Many were dismayed and in tears while watching their homes and livelihoods get destroyed right before them.
KZN is not alone in experiencing a natural disaster, Johannesburg city had also woken up with an earthquake with a magnitude of 2.9 after a long time. This is two natural disasters that occurred within weeks, which is two disasters too many for a country like South Africa.
South Africa, be strong. Each year the destruction has intensified, this will only make you stronger and more prepared for whatever is to come. However, you need to take responsibility for your actions and you need to take care of your own environment to help prevent devastating results in the near future.
Nature is always calling, when will you answer?
#staysafedurban #kznfloods #climateaction
By Paleni Iyer,
Greenpeace Africa Durban Volunteer.
Source:
- Looting
Dury, F. (2021) ‘South Africa riots: Looting and shooting in Durban’, BBC, 14 July. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57822460.amp
- Floods
The University of the Witwatersrand, J. (2023) The 2022 Durban floods were the most catastrophic yet recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, University of the Witwatersrand. Available at: https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/general-news/2023/2023-04/the-2022-durban-floods-were-the-most-catastrophic-yet-recorded-in-kwazulu-natal.html
- E Coli
- Earthquake
(2023) Earthquake hazards program. Available at: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000knt8/executivetml
Reporter, S. (2023) Johannesburg earthquake is strongest in six years, The Mail & Guardian. Available at: https://mg.co.za/environment/2023-06-11-johannesburg-shaken-by-5-0-earthquake/