Coping with environmental hazards : a case study of the September 1987 floods in Natal and KwaZulu

Abstract

This study is a geographical analysis of the occurrence of subsequent coping with the Natal-KwaZulu flood disaster took place during September 1987. and that The interaction between man and his environment is of vital importance both to hazard identification and risk assessment, as well as to its management and social evaluation. It was clearly evident that most damage occurred in areas where people occupied the floodplains and estuaries. The theory is endorsed that poor communities are more vulnerable to the ravages of disasters than the rich and reasons are given to substantiate this claim. The management of flood damage and compensation paid to disaster victims by decision-making institutions is evaluated and it is found that, with the exception of a few problems, success was achieved. With a view to the future, issues that ought to receive attention are identified and recommendations for improvement are proposed.