Pretoria, South Africa, 19 October 2022 - The provinces of Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) and Eastern Cape in South Africa (SA) were impacted by heavy rains from 9 to 13 April 2022 leading to devastating floods, landslides, and windstorms in the districts of uThukela, uMgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo, Ugu, iLembe, Umzinyathi, Harry Gwala and eThekwini Metro. An estimated 125,000 people were affected while around 6,342 and 9,659 households had their houses completely and partially destroyed respectively. As a result, over 50,000 individuals have sought shelter at around 104 evacuation centres at community halls, churches and other communal spaces. Around 461 fatalities have been reported, 54 people are missing and 55 were injured.  Over 10,000 people displaced by the floods in the 10 districts of KwaZulu Natal Province are still staying in care centres with more individuals staying in host communities with relatives and friends. The United Nations Country team in South Africa visited the affected areas to assess the damage. As part of contributions by the United Nations in South Africa, IOM contributed with the following:

1. IOM rolled out the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) in 25 wards which were most affected by floods in April 2022 in eThekwini District in KwaZulu Natal Province. The DTM provided evidence-based information on the locations, demographics, needs of Internally Displaced Populations (IDPs) and mapping of damaged infrastructure, facilities, livelihoods and settlements.
2. IOM trained 20 South Africa Red Cross Society volunteers on data collection before conducting ward baseline and damage assessments in 25 wards identified by the eThekwini Municipality Disaster Management Center as the worst affected by floods in the district.
3. IOM also provided temporary Shelter (500) and non-food items NFI to 1000 households in 10 districts.
4. IOM provided material vouchers to 500 most vulnerable IDP households (2,150 individuals) to buy roofing sheets, timber, nails, and cement as well as a tool kit (saw, hammer, shovel, measuring tape and gloves) for the construction of transitional shelters. 
5. In collaboration with the Refugee Pastoral Care, community-based organisations identified and provided food items to 259 households that were affected by the floods.

Through its expertise, IOM brought together multiple stakeholder base and national coordination experience to ensure effective implementation of emergency response operations in South Africa. This included the Office of the Premier, Disaster Management Centre, the Department of Social Development and the Department of Human Settlement and South African Red Cross Society (SARCS).

For more information, Contact Reneilwe Moningi – remoningi@iom.int