Synoptic structure of a sub-daily extreme precipitation and flood event in Thohoyandou, north-eastern South Africa

Chikoore, Hector; Bopape, Mary-Jane M.; Ndarana, Thando; Muofhe, Tshimbiluni P.; Gijben, Morné; Munyai, Rendani B.; Manyanya, Tshilidzi C.; Maisha, Robert

doi:10.1016/j.wace.2021.100327

Cited by 9 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 70 publications

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“…The annual cycle of daily rain shows that mean daily rainfall in the study area is below 10 mm/day (Figure 5; red line) which may be considered moderate. Although the occurrence of extreme rainfall is rare in this area [15], it is mostly linked to tropical continental lows and landfall of tropical cyclones from the warm Mozambique Channel and Southwest Indian Ocean [16]. It is also shown that the monthly mean for daily rainfall extremes can reach and exceed 50 mm/day during January and February (Figure 5; 97.5% percentile, green line).…”

Section: The Occurrence Of Extreme Rainfallmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…We focus on the country's northern Limpopo province which receives most rainfall during the austral summer months [15,16], but for which the rainy season may extend from October to April. The main source of rainfall during this period is associated with moisture flux inflow mainly from the warm southwest Indian Ocean [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Floods due to ex-tropical cyclone Eline in 2000 and continental tropical lows in 2011, 2013 and 2014 have raised various concerns regarding flood vulnerability and preparedness in South Africa's north-eastern interior. A more recent flood event occurred in Thohoyandou, northeast of South Africa during February 2019 after extreme precipitation (~300 mm/4 h) associated with a major cloud band [15]. A nearby shopping mall was inundated with flood waters such that some vehicles were stagnated, raising concerns of poor siting and drainage.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A nearby shopping mall was inundated with flood waters such that some vehicles were stagnated, raising concerns of poor siting and drainage. It was found that the interaction of a low-level jet with a nearby mountain range compounded the heavy rainfall and flooding in the area [15]. Thus, this region is highly vulnerable to flooding from extreme rainfall, which may be exacerbated by climate change.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…El Niño events over the equatorial Pacific Ocean are mostly linked to dry and hot austral summers over the northeastern interior of the country [22][23][24]. During this time, fewer cloud bands form, leading to below normal rainfall over the southern African subcontinent [15]. The circulation becomes largely anticyclonic characterized by subsidence induced a strong mid-troposheric Botswana High [25].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Vulnerability and Adaptation to Flood Hazards in Rural Settlements of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Munyai

Chikoore

Musyoki

et al. 2021

Water

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Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall leading to floods in several regions. In Africa, rural communities are more vulnerable to flooding, particularly those that dwell in low altitude areas or near rivers and those regions affected by tropical storms. This study examined flood vulnerability in three rural villages in South Africa’s northern Limpopo Province and how communities are building resilience and coping with the hazard. These villages lie at the foot of the north-eastern escarpment, and are often exposed to frequent rainfall enhanced by orographic factors. Although extreme rainfall events are rare in the study area, we analyzed daily rainfall and showed how heavy rainfall of short duration can lead to flooding using case studies. Historical floods were also mapped using remote sensing via the topographical approach and two types of flooding were identified, i.e., those due to extreme rainfall and those due to poor drainage or blocked drainage channels. A field survey was also conducted using questionnaires administered to samples of affected households to identify flood vulnerability indicators and adaptation strategies. Key informant interviews were held with disaster management authorities to provide additional information on flood indicators. Subsequently, a flood vulnerability index was computed to measure the extent of flood vulnerability of the selected communities and it was found that all three villages have a ‘vulnerability to floods’ level, considered a medium level vulnerability. The study also details temporary and long-term adaptation strategies/actions employed by respondents and interventions by local authorities to mitigate the impacts of flooding. Adaptation strategies range from digging furrows to divert water and temporary relocations, to constructing a raised patio around the house. Key recommendations include the need for public awareness; implementation of a raft of improvements and a sustainable infrastructure maintenance regime; integration of modern mitigations with local indigenous knowledge; and development of programs to ensure resilience through incorporation of Integrated Development Planning.

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Section: The Occurrence Of Extreme Rainfallmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Flood Hazards in Rural Settlements of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Munyai

Chikoore

Musyoki

et al. 2021

Water

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Projections of future fire risk under climate change over the South African savanna

Singo

Chikoore

Engelbrecht

et al. 2023

Stoch Environ Res Risk Assess

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Flood hazard management in a multiple hazard context: a systematic review of flood hazard management during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

Turay

2022

Discov Water

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Result-oriented research can uncover hidden flood management obstacles and propose solutions that, if combined with political will, appropriate technology, and resources, can overcome the majority of Africa’s future flood calamities. In view of this, it is critical to examine researchers' findings on flood hazard management, particularly now that the continent is struggling with COVID-19 and other hazards. This study employed a systematic review approach to critically analyze 103 contextually detailed studies with a set of criteria that were not only meant to keep the focus on floods and the COVID-19 pandemic but also to understand the context of managing floods during COVID-19 and other hazards at the same time on the continent. I found that the authors strongly recommend how institutions should create non-structural enabling environments for managing combined hazards. Also, researchers paid little attention to recommending ecosystem-based measures for flood management during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. Future research should study how different countries in Africa are preparing to manage multiple future hazards, including the comparative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of individual countries’ planning and preparation.

show abstract

Synoptic structure of a sub-daily extreme precipitation and flood event in Thohoyandou, north-eastern South Africa

Cited by 9 publications

References 70 publications

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Flood Hazards in Rural Settlements of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Flood Hazards in Rural Settlements of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Projections of future fire risk under climate change over the South African savanna

Flood hazard management in a multiple hazard context: a systematic review of flood hazard management during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

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