The Preparedness Plans and Early Warning Systems During Flood Disasters in South Africa

The world is witnessing an increased number of natural disasters in the first half of the twenty-first century, including a devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria and a cyclone in Mozambique and Malawi. South Africa is not spared from such events; it is also prone to the plethora of slow- and fast-onset disasters which have disproportionately and adversely impacted vulnerable areas and people living in informal settlements. These disasters have destroyed livelihoods, infrastructure, economic means and houses, and caused fatalities, mostly in informal settlements. The effects of the natural disasters on vulnerable communities have been compounded by the lack of appropriate action on the part of the government and its agencies to effectively communicate through early warning systems (EWSs). The inadequate disaster preparedness plans at local government level have brought misery and devastating repercussions in highly vulnerable informal settlements. This book chapter analyses the effectiveness of The preparedness plans and Early Warning Systems during flood disasters in South Africa coastal provinces (KwaZulu-Natal [UKZN] and the Eastern Cape [EC)]. This chapter further explores the best practices and innovative ways applied by different stakeholders who were directly involved in responding to flood disasters in the form of the EWSs and considers their impacts on preventing and mitigating the devastating effects of flood disasters. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with experts from government (at local and provincial government levels), universities and research institutes which focus on flood management and disaster preparedness. These experts included practically and theoretically experienced officials within disaster management, climate adaptations, urban planning and geography. Secondary data, in the form of newspaper articles and official reports for qualitative assessment to validate the data gleaned through the in-depth interviews, was also used. The lack of funding has been attributed to poor EWSs before and during flood disasters as the available plans were not being implemented. The lack of expert knowledge by both local authorities and communities who are vulnerable to disasters rendered the available EWSs ineffective. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data where relevant information was categorised and classified, and themes and patterns were developed. This book chapter sheds light and fills a void as there is a paucity of data in the Global South which investigates the effectiveness of the preparedness plans (including EWS) in mitigating the effects of flood disasters. In summary, this empirical book chapter adds value to the scarce knowledge as it provides propositions for future scientists to test scientifically in their geographical settings. It further advises experts in the field of flood management on the significance of best practices and innovative ways to ensure that preparedness plans, including the EWS, are effective.