Natural-disaster risk in South Africa
In South Africa, the leading natural-disaster exposures are earthquake, wildfire, flooding. The safest city for disasters is Bhisho (safety 39/100). Risk is modelled from real USGS counts of magnitude-4.5+ earthquakes within 300 km since 1980 plus Köppen climate zones and cyclone/subduction geography.
Safest cities in South Africa from natural disasters
- Bhisho — safety 39/100, main risk flooding
- Pietermaritzburg — safety 37/100, main risk flooding
- Gqeberha — safety 37/100, main risk flooding
- Mbombela — safety 35/100, main risk flooding
- Polokwane — safety 35/100, main risk drought
- East London — safety 34/100, main risk flooding
- Newcastle — safety 33/100, main risk flooding
- Kimberley — safety 33/100, main risk drought
FAQ
Is South Africa safe from natural disasters?
Across 16 cities in South Africa, the highest average exposure is earthquake (2.7/5). Safest city: Bhisho (safety 39/100).
What natural disasters affect South Africa?
By modelled average tier: earthquake 2.7/5; wildfire 2.4/5; flooding 2.3/5; drought 2.2/5; extreme heat 1.4/5; extreme cold / winter 1.1/5; storms (hurricane/cyclone) 1.0/5; tsunami 1.0/5.
Which city in South Africa is safest from natural disasters?
Bhisho, with the lowest combined hazard exposure in our data.