RIVER GAUGING STATIONS INFORMATION (24hr Average):   0000KOB005 Driekoppies Weir 2.545 m3/s   | 0000KOB003 Enjakeni Weir 10.851 m3/s   | 0000X1H001 Hooggenoeg Weir 14.614 m3/s   | 0000KOB004 Lebombo Weir m3/s   | 0000KOB007 Mananga Weir 11.649 m3/s   | 0000KOB008 Matsamo Weir 0.929 m3/s   | 0000KOB012 Mzimnene Weir 0.317 m3/s   | 0000KOB001 Sandbult Weir m3/s   | 0000KOB002 Tonga Weir 6.247 m3/s   | 0000KOB011 Mhlume Weir 13.857 m3/s   |

Emergency Preparedness

Risk and Uncertainty Management

All water problems have their roots in any one or combinations of three extremities: too little, too much or too dirty water. These conditions create great hazard to human life, environment, property, social wellbeing and the economy in exposed societies. While too dirty water (pollution) is almost exclusively caused by human activities, too little water (shortages and droughts) and too much water (floods) occur naturally depending on the geographical location of an area. The magnitudes and impacts of droughts and floods can be amplified by human activities. A wealth of knowledge about droughts and floods has been acquired over years. However, most of what is known about these extreme events is derived from probabilistic investigations, which means that their occurrences, magnitudes and impacts cannot be quantified and predicted with absolute certainty. Droughts and floods are natural phenomena which cannot be prevented, mankind can only prepare such that their impacts are minimized. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously update existing information on these events and to develop and implement effective response mechanisms. The Risk and Uncertainty Unit is responsible for keeping KOBWA and exposed communities ready to react appropriately before, during and after floods and droughts. This Unit is involved in:

  • Mapping exposed areas;
  • Monitoring and predicting extreme climatological events;
  • Developing and installing early warning systems;
  • Devising emergency procedures and:
  • Liaising with relevant authorities in exposed communities.