Regular disaster risk assessments of the hazards which could occur within the City’s municipal area are done. These assessments give an indication of each hazard which could cause a disaster, the hazard’s probability of occurrence, its possible impact or expected consequences, the vulnerable communities / areas and the ability to cope when it occurs. This is expressed in a formula:

The Disaster Risk of a Hazard = Probability x Impact x Vulnerability ÷ Ability to Cope

Each of these factors is allocated a score and the results gives an indication of the relative priority in planning and preparing for the hazards and the response actions required.

As all the factors will influence the relative priority score for each hazard, it is important that the probability, the impact and the vulnerability aspects are reduced and that the ability to cope is increased. Lowering the risk for natural hazards may sometimes be more difficult than for human-caused hazards but a co-operative and integrated effort undertaken on a continuous basis by all will help to reduce many of the disaster risks affecting Cape Town.

A hazard may occur at any time so preparedness and resilience are what we all need to strive for.

For Hazards: Natural and Hazards: Human-caused, the various hazards with the highest disaster risk potential to Cape Town are listed. A brief description of each hazard is given, as well as some information on the risk reduction and preparedness efforts which can be undertaken by residents in order to assist with the efforts of the City.

The occurrence of one hazard may also lead to other hazards occurring - this is called a multi-hazard scenario. This is a more complex situation to manage and the response and relief actions may be more challenging to effect.

Mass Events

A pro-active approach is taken for the planning, operation and staging of the many mass events that are held throughout the year in Cape Town. Examples of these events include the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Pick ‘n Pay/Argus Cycle Tour, the Two Oceans Marathon and Cape Town Jazz festival.

Hazards to each event are assessed and the integrated risk reduction, emergency planning, preparedness and incident response aspects are incorporated into the event’s operational systems.

The City’s Events Permit Office is the event management co-ordinator and ensures that the event policy processes are followed and the necessary permits issued. If you would like to stage an event please contact the City’s Events Permit Office.

Events Permit Office:
Tel: 021 417 4035
Fax: 086 576 1580
E-mail: Events.Permit@capetown.gov.za