In the wake of devastating natural disasters in KwaZulu-Natal, including catastrophic flooding, storms, and wildfires, it has become increasingly clear that the province is in dire need of effective warning systems designed to protect both people and wildlife.

This pressing need has sparked the creation of a groundbreaking early warning system for catastrophic weather occurrences in KZN, aimed at empowering vulnerable communities and healthcare institutions.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has granted the ambitious project approximately R46,384,080 to develop this critical system, which will initially focus on the municipalities of eThekwini and Ugu.

Named the Warning system for Extreme Weather events, Awareness Technology for Healthcare, Equitable delivery, and Resilience (Weather), this innovative initiative is set to unfold over four years and, if successful, may see its application extended nationwide.

This collaborative endeavour brings together the expertise of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, and the University of Portsmouth. Professor Anil Chuturgoon, acting deputy vice chancellor of research and innovation at UKZN, highlighted the significance of this initiative as a transformative step to safeguard lives against the escalating threat of climate change-induced disasters.

"Climate change is not a distant concept. It is an undeniable reality in South Africa and especially in KZN," remarked Chuturgoon.

"We have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of unpredictable weather conditions, from destructive floods to the spread of water-borne diseases and disruptions to critical healthcare services."

He emphasised that the Weather project will specifically cater to the unique needs of the vulnerable communities it seeks to support.

Professor Mary Lynch from RCSI/UWS expressed gratitude to the NIHR for their support, stating, "After the 2022 Durban floods, we initiated conversations about the best solution to address the needs of communities, particularly here in Durban." She noted the value of engaging with community members to understand their priorities and requirements.

"In the Weather project, we are looking at an early warning system that will focus and predict rain and flooding. It will also detect disease symptoms outbreaks. Climate change is no longer a prediction... It is something you are experiencing," added Professor David Ndzi of the University of Portsmouth.

He further stated that the Weather system would help the population well in advance about when it would rain and whether the rain could cause flooding.

Geoff Tooley, who recently retired from eThekwini Municipality, said that this system has been developed with a settlement in Quarry Road where 400 dwellings were washed away during the 2022 floods.

"When we saw this project come along and the planned use of AI to predict and inform, disseminate information to our vulnerable communities, we saw this is a massive opportunity to be part of. Therefore, we are really excited to be part of this collaboration," said Tooley.

Desmond D'sa of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance told IOL that this is something the organisation has been fighting for.

"We want to make sure that the community side of culture and tradition has not been left out. We want to save lives. Our people that live in informal settlements, riverbanks, or are farmers are losing everything, and we know that this project is going to help a lot."

IOL