Context

The Durban floods and looting created catastrophic damage to communities, the economy, and property markets. Riots beginning 9 July 2021 lasted over a week, causing an estimated R20 billion in KZN economic losses.

The devastation included:

  • 400+ retail outlets damaged
  • 1,400 ATMs vandalised
  • 40,000 businesses affected
  • 50,000 traders impacted
  • R2 billion in stock losses
  • 150,000 jobs at risk

A provincial state of disaster was declared. A second disaster struck between 11 and 13 April 2022 when KZN floods caused approximately R25 billion in additional damage. Transport, electricity, water, and communication infrastructure suffered severe disruption, with 9,000 containers accumulating at Durban harbour due to rail and road damage.

Services delivered

  • Drones equipped with laser scanners and RGB cameras
  • Thermal imaging systems
  • Damage digitisation and investigation
  • Safe area identification for search and rescue operations
  • Asset damage assessment for private and municipal owners

Outcome

A multi-week inspection operation covering hundreds of kilometres produced comprehensive digital documentation of flood damage and a critical assessment of affected infrastructure, services, families, and homes. Accurate scale was determined for the widespread devastation.