πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦South Africa

South Africa is exposed to a wide range of hazards including drought, flooding from intense cut-off lows and tropical cyclones, and coastal storm surges. Informal settlements in major urban areas are disproportionately vulnerable to rapid-onset flooding.

This page tracks 2 documented disasters in South Africa. The most recent is South Africa Western Cape Floods (May 2026). Find responding organizations, official agencies, and emergency contacts for South Africa below.

Southern AfricaPretoria / Cape Town / Bloemfontein62 millionEmergency: 10177 (fire/medical) / 10111 (police) / 1122 disasters recorded

Official Disaster Management Agencies

National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)

The lead government body for coordinating disaster risk reduction and response across all South African provinces, with powers to declare national disasters and release emergency funding.

Website

South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Issues official weather warnings, flood alerts, and cyclone advisories for South Africa and surrounding oceanic regions.

Website

Local & Regional Organizations

South African Red Cross Society

One of the largest humanitarian networks in southern Africa, mobilizing volunteers for emergency relief, blood services, first aid, and community disaster preparedness.

Website

Gift of the Givers Foundation

Africa's largest disaster-response non-governmental organisation, known for rapid deployment of food, water, shelter, and medical care to South African and regional disasters.

Website

At a Glance

Region
Southern Africa
Capital
Pretoria / Cape Town / Bloemfontein
Emergency
10177 (fire/medical) / 10111 (police) / 112
Total Disasters
2
Active
0
Recovery
1
Responding Orgs
3

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