8 March 2025
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has seen an alarming increase in flood events over the past decade, with experts pointing to climate change as a key contributor.
South African Weather Service (SAWS) climatologist Andries Kruger confirmed to The Citizen on Friday that flood incidents have increased based on media reports and internal assessments.
“Since 1961, annual flood reports varied between one and twenty per year up to 2021. However, since 2022, flood reports have been significantly higher,” Kruger said.
Climate change and extreme weather
Kruger pointed to evidence suggesting that climate change is contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of floods.
“An assessment of daily rainfall statistics in the province over the last 100 years shows a significant increase in very high daily rainfall totals, which influence the likelihood of floods occurring,” he explained.
Kruger added that KZN’s warmer climate is also contributing to extreme weather events.
“The province is becoming warmer, and the likelihood of heavy rainfall episodes has increased, especially closer to the coast,” he said.
This aligns with a broader global trend where rising temperatures lead to more moisture in the atmosphere, resulting in heavier downpours.
