ISR3701
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 31 March 2026
QUESTION 1
INTRODUCTION
The 2026 floods in Mpumalanga showed serious weaknesses in how risks are managed at
local government level. Even though early warnings were issued, the damage was severe
because planning and prevention measures were not strong enough. Communities were
exposed to danger due to poor land use decisions, weak infrastructure, and lack of proper
maintenance. This disaster shows that risk management must move beyond reacting to
events and focus more on prevention and preparedness.
Comprehensive risk management requires proper identification of risks, careful evaluation,
and strong control measures. Local government plays a key role because it is responsible
for planning, infrastructure, and service delivery. If proactive strategies are included in
planning, communities can be protected from future floods and losses can be reduced
(NDMC, 2026).
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
INTRODUCTION
The 2026 floods in Mpumalanga showed serious weaknesses in how risks are
managed at local government level. Even though early warnings were issued, the
damage was severe because planning and prevention measures were not strong
enough. Communities were exposed to danger due to poor land use decisions, weak
infrastructure, and lack of proper maintenance. This disaster shows that risk
management must move beyond reacting to events and focus more on prevention
and preparedness.
Comprehensive risk management requires proper identification of risks, careful
evaluation, and strong control measures. Local government plays a key role because
it is responsible for planning, infrastructure, and service delivery. If proactive
strategies are included in planning, communities can be protected from future floods
and losses can be reduced (NDMC, 2026).
IDENTIFICATION OF RISKS
Use of Hazard Mapping and Data Analysis
Local government must identify flood-prone areas using detailed hazard maps.
Rivers such as the Crocodile and Lomati were underestimated, which led to poor
planning decisions. Mapping helps officials understand which areas are at risk and
prevents development in dangerous zones (SAWS, 2026).
Community-Based Risk Identification
Communities must be involved in identifying risks because they experience floods
directly. Local knowledge about flooding patterns, soil conditions, and drainage
problems can improve planning. This helps government to understand real risks on
the ground and respond better.
Climate and Weather Monitoring Systems
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 31 March 2026
QUESTION 1
INTRODUCTION
The 2026 floods in Mpumalanga showed serious weaknesses in how risks are managed at
local government level. Even though early warnings were issued, the damage was severe
because planning and prevention measures were not strong enough. Communities were
exposed to danger due to poor land use decisions, weak infrastructure, and lack of proper
maintenance. This disaster shows that risk management must move beyond reacting to
events and focus more on prevention and preparedness.
Comprehensive risk management requires proper identification of risks, careful evaluation,
and strong control measures. Local government plays a key role because it is responsible
for planning, infrastructure, and service delivery. If proactive strategies are included in
planning, communities can be protected from future floods and losses can be reduced
(NDMC, 2026).
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
INTRODUCTION
The 2026 floods in Mpumalanga showed serious weaknesses in how risks are
managed at local government level. Even though early warnings were issued, the
damage was severe because planning and prevention measures were not strong
enough. Communities were exposed to danger due to poor land use decisions, weak
infrastructure, and lack of proper maintenance. This disaster shows that risk
management must move beyond reacting to events and focus more on prevention
and preparedness.
Comprehensive risk management requires proper identification of risks, careful
evaluation, and strong control measures. Local government plays a key role because
it is responsible for planning, infrastructure, and service delivery. If proactive
strategies are included in planning, communities can be protected from future floods
and losses can be reduced (NDMC, 2026).
IDENTIFICATION OF RISKS
Use of Hazard Mapping and Data Analysis
Local government must identify flood-prone areas using detailed hazard maps.
Rivers such as the Crocodile and Lomati were underestimated, which led to poor
planning decisions. Mapping helps officials understand which areas are at risk and
prevents development in dangerous zones (SAWS, 2026).
Community-Based Risk Identification
Communities must be involved in identifying risks because they experience floods
directly. Local knowledge about flooding patterns, soil conditions, and drainage
problems can improve planning. This helps government to understand real risks on
the ground and respond better.
Climate and Weather Monitoring Systems
