What caused the Laingsburg flood 1981?
After three days of almost continuous rain in late January 1981 across the catchment area of the Buffels River, the usually desiccated soil of the Moordenaars Karoo had reached saturation point resulting in a wall of water that swept down the river towards Laingsburg.
Could the Laingsburg flood have been predicted?
In the case of the 1981 Laingsburg flood, flood-frequency analysis would not have predicted either its probability or associated magnitude.
Which river flooded Laingsburg?
A total of 184 houses were destroyed leaving only 21 houses standing. 425mm of rain fell on 24 and 25 January 1981 causing the Buffalo River that flows North-south through the town to burst its banks. The average rainfall was 175mm.
Where is the Moordenaars Karoo?
Western Cape Province of South Africa
The Moordenaars Karoo is situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The concession is approximately 300 km from Cape Town International Airport.
How many people died in Laingsburg?
104 people died in the Laingsburg flood, and only 32 bodies were ever recovered. Out of the 184 houses in town, only 21 remained untouched by the water, the others were either completely destroyed, or so badly damaged that it had to be rebuilt.
What Causes floods in South Africa?
Flooding started when a cut-off low-pressure system delivered extremely high rainfall levels of 450 mm in some areas in just 48 hours. Many have called it South Africa’s deadliest storm on record, and the country’s leaders have blamed climate change for the widespread devastation.
What is there to do in Laingsburg?
Things to do Near Laingsburg
- Seweweekspoort. ★★★★★ 1 Review.
- Bosluiskloof Pass. ★★★★★ 3 Reviews.
- Noukloof Nature Reserve Trail… Hiking Trail in Ladismith.
- Anysberg Horse Trail. Hiking Trail in Anysberg Nature Reserve.
- MUD. Theatre, Gallery or Museum in Barrydale.
- The Magpie Art Collective.
- Barrydale Handweavers.
Why is it called Moordenaars Karoo?
Crossing the Buffels River towards Matjiesfontein in Laingsburg, turn north into the Moordenaars Karoo or Murderer’s Karoo, so named for the bloody conflict between the early settlers and the San or Bushmen who inhabited the area.
What is Laingsburg famous for?
Laingsburg is probably best known for the sporadic and destructive flooding of the Buffels River fed by occasional heavy rainfall across its catchment in the rolling hills and plains of the Moordenaars Karoo, or Murderers Karoo, to the north of the town.
Which province is Laingsburg?
the Western Cape Province
Description: The Laingsburg Local Municipality is a Category B municipality situated within the Central Karoo District in the Western Cape Province. It is one of three municipalities in the district, making up a quarter of its geographical area. Laingsburg is a modern Karoo town, only 280km from Cape Town.
What is the biggest flood in India?
Two powerful floods recorded in India—the flood of 6 September 1970 on the Narmada River and the flood of 11 August 1979 on the Machhu River were found to be record-breaking events in the world. Highest floods in the major river basins of India.
Is the road to Merweville tarred?
The road crosses the main tarred route, the R353, linking Leeu Gamka and Fraserburg.
Where is Laingsburg municipality situated?
Western Cape Province
How do floods affect humans?
The immediate health impacts of floods include drowning, injuries, hypothermia, and animal bites. Health risks also are associated with the evacuation of patients, loss of health workers, and loss of health infrastructure including essential drugs and supplies.