PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES PRESENTATION ON FLOODS

1. PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIESPRESENTATION ON FLOODS DAFF DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT January 2011

2. Presentation Outline Introduction Rainfall received Fly over by ministers – Vaal dam area Preliminary Assessments Actions taken by DAFF Inter-Ministerial Committee Expected rainfall in the next three months Challenges and recommendations 2

3. INTRODUCTION South Africa experienced mainly dry conditions over the country in 2010; assessments were conducted to ascertain the extent of the drought throughout the country, leading to the National Drought Task Team (NDTT) meeting to request a drought declaration (October – November 2010) Late rains brought relief to these dry conditions, but the long awaited rains then led to flooding and in some cases, disasters. However some areas (Eastern Cape, KZN and NC) still experience dry conditions. Further assessments will be conducted in these provinces to evaluate any changes From possible drought disaster – to the current flood disaster! 3

4. RAINFALL RECEIVED 4 Over most provinces above normal rainfall continued to be received at the beginning of January. Further flooding continued in KZN, Gauteng, Free State, N Cape, North West & Mpumalanga. In some it was due to overflow from dams rather than direct rainfall.

5. FLY OVER BY MINISTERS – VAAL DAM AREA Fly over by the Ministers on Sunday, 16 January 2011 NC (Prieska, Douglas, Kimberly, Warrenton ), NW (Bloemhof, Christiana) . Everything still under water 5

6. Flooding has been reported in 8 provinces (excluding the Western Cape) and the extent of the damages vary from province to province. (See attached narrative report) The most affected provinces are Northern Cape and North West due to the Orange and Vaal rivers. Impact mostly on water logging of crops, and damage to infrastructure such as dams, fences, canals, irrigation systems, Farmers that have not been otherwise affected are unable to irrigate as pumps have been removed along the river and electricity was switched off for those along the river. 6 Preliminary Assessments for recent floods

7. Preliminary Assessments Estimated number of hectares affected: Free State (390 000) followed by Northern Cape (20 000) , Mpumalanga (4 480) , Limpopo (3 770), Gauteng (3 400) , North West (1 200) and KZN (300 hectares). Most Provinces reported sheep, cattle, goats, broilers and wild animals being affected by floods – other provinces still assessing the damage; Agricultural dams, fences, poultry structures are reported damaged in most of the provinces as well as pumping equipment, irrigation systems, electrical cables and low lying bridges; Free State estimated 2500 farm workers affected followed by Gauteng (2000) and Northern Cape (1083). In terms of value, Free State estimated the highest amount on the flood damage of R210 million and KZN (lowest estimation) estimated R200 000. Northern Cape estimated amount of damages is unknown and still to be assessed due to inaccessible farming areas. 7

8. Actions taken by DAFF Regular dissemination of early warning and advisory information within the sector in order to mitigate against further losses. Monitoring the conditions in provinces and physically conducting assessments in the affected areas. DAFF teams are on the ground and assessments have already been conducted in North West, Free State, Northern Cape. Other provinces will be covered by the end of the week. The challenge in this regard is high water levels and inaccessible farming areas. Regular contact with our provincial departments to provide both strategic and technical support regarding the disaster. Participation in the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and Task Teams coordinated by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Facilitating the classification and declaration of affected areas by CoGTA. 8

9. Inter-Ministerial Committee IMC meeting held on 14th January 2011 to evaluate the current situation. Meeting agreed on - declaration to be made - further assessments to be conducted and - a coordinated communication strategy. Technical IMC met to outline steps to be taken in addressing this disaster:- Joint Communication Committee to be led by GCIS –all communication heads to participate Declaration of the disaster areas and the need for funding Special IMC meeting to be called for report back Update reports and submit to CoGTA, NDMC by Thursday, 20/01/2011 NDMC to draft Cabinet Memo by Friday, 21st January 2011 A command centre to be established and departments be represented (NDMC) Thorough assessment to be conducted depending on water levels in affected areas 9

10. EXPECTED RAINFALL IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS 10 Above normal rainfall is still expected over the Country. Soil is saturated. Continuing floods is possible. High confidence (SAWS).

11. CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS The high water levels and inaccessible farming areas have prevented proper assessments and quantification of loss and damages. Full assessment and verification to be conducted after the water has subsided; The poor quality of infrastructure has contributed to the problem. Much of the agricultural infrastructure is very old and poorly maintained, particularly farm dams and levee structures (structures that reduce the water speed and mitigate flood damages). A thorough assessment for infrastructure and levees will be conducted. Farming occurs within the flood plains , especially along the river (commercial sector), indicating the need for awareness strategies and risk reduction measures among farming communities, Estimated values of flood damage to be evaluated and verified. 11

12. THANK YOU