Ntshavheni: Extreme weather underscores need to decarbonise economy
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the recent floods and storms in various parts of the country underscores the impact of climate change.
Thunderstorms and strong winds left a trail of destruction Gauteng, while the Western Cape and Eastern Cape were hit by severe flooding.
Since the weekend, more than 10 people have died in the Western Cape due to the heavy rain and flooding in the province.
The flooding has destroyed homes, washed away bridges, damaged several farms, and destroyed key infrastructure.
Ntshavheni told a post-cabinet media briefing on Thursday that the extreme weather patterns underscore the need to decarbonise the economy.
“Cabinet is kept abreast on the devastation caused by the severe storms and flooding in the provinces of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng, with indications that this will likely spread to other provinces,” she said.
“Cabinet calls on communities to remain on high alert for further extreme weather warnings which could bring further devastation across the country. Government continues to support emergency services and disaster management centres for rescue operations and to provide humanitarian support”.
Several humanitarian organisations, including Gift of the Givers, have stepped in to help those affected by providing them with warm meals, blankets, clothes and materials to rebuild their homes.
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