Extreme rainfall associated with mid-tropospheric cut-off low (COL) pressure systems affected the entire east coast of South Africa during April 2022, leading to flooding and destruction of homes, electricity power lines, and road infrastructure, and leaving 448 people confirmed dead. Therefore, this study investigated the evolution of the two COLs and their impacts, including the occurrence of extreme rainfall and cold weather over the southeast coast of the country. We analysed observed and reanalysis meteorological data and mapped areas at risk to impacts of flood hazards on the east coast of South Africa. Extreme rainfall (>500 mm) accumulated over 16 days was observed along the east coast, with the amount of rainfall progressively decreasing inland. We found that the rainfall associated with the first COL was significantly enhanced by the interactions between a strong low-level onshore airflow across the Agulhas Current and the coastal escarpment, resulting in deep convection and lifting. An unusual surface cyclone with tropical characteristics developed over the subtropical southwest Indian Ocean, driving onshore southeasterly winds which enhanced low-level convergence. Moreover, the flood risk results revealed that, amongst others, land cover/use (52.8%), elevation (16.8%) and lithology (15.5%) were the most important flood predictor variables in this study. Much of the study area was found to have very low (28.33%), low (31.82%), and moderate (21.66%) flood risk, whilst the high- and very-high-risk areas accounted for only 17.5% of the total land area. Nonetheless, the derived flood risk map achieved an acceptable level of accuracy of about 89.9% (Area Under Curve = 0.899). The findings of this study contribute to understanding extreme rainfall events and the vulnerability of settlements on South Africa’s east coast to flood risk, which can be used towards natural disaster risk reduction.

Asbestos dust exposure remains a significant public health concern, particularly in areas with unrehabilitated asbestos mines. This study aims to evaluate the spatial distribution of asbestos and community awareness and perceptions of the risk of asbestosis in Ga-Mathabatha, a rural settlement in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite imagery, remote sensing techniques, and GIS mapping, we predicted areas containing different types of minerals associated with asbestos, validated by field observations at Makapeng, Moleke, Maseleseleng, Success, Masioneng, Olifants River, Mphogodima River, and Tongwane River sites. A mixed-methods research approach, including 18 in-depth interviews and 250 survey questionnaires, assessed community awareness and perceptions of potential asbestosis risk. Remote sensing analysis results indicated high concentrations of chrysotile asbestos in the eastern part of the study area, tremolite asbestos in the southern part, and minor serpentine deposits in the east. Field observations confirmed asbestos deposits along riverbanks and in the surrounding villages. Survey results revealed that 45.6% of participants were not aware of areas of high asbestos concentration in Ga-Mathabatha, while 28% (15% + 13%) did not perceive passing near asbestos dumps with or without herds as another source of exposure. These findings underscore the need for targeted education and awareness programs for communities living near asbestos deposits and those whose day-to-day activities increase their risk of exposure.