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
Past disasters
Official disaster management agencies
- Website
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.
Local & regional organizations
- Website
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.