Severe Weather Deepening Risks for Persons With Disabilities, DWYPD Warns

The department said increasingly frequent and intense climate-related disasters are exposing deep vulnerabilities within communities already facing barriers to essential services and protection.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has issued an urgent call for inclusive disaster response measures as severe weather conditions, flooding and climate-related emergencies continue to threaten vulnerable communities across South Africa.

The department warned that persons with disabilities are facing disproportionately higher risks during extreme weather events due to long-standing social, economic and infrastructural inequalities that continue to limit access to safety, mobility, healthcare and emergency support systems.

As heavy rains, flooding and storms impact several provinces, DWYPD Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the country must urgently strengthen inclusive disaster preparedness frameworks to ensure that no one is excluded from emergency responses and life-saving interventions.

Climate Change Intensifying Risks for Persons With Disabilities

The department said increasingly frequent and intense climate-related disasters are exposing deep vulnerabilities within communities already facing barriers to essential services and protection.

According to the DWYPD, persons with disabilities often encounter major obstacles during disasters, including:

• Limited mobility during evacuations

• Inaccessible transport systems

• Poorly designed emergency shelters

• Exclusion from disaster planning processes

• Inaccessible communication and warning systems

• Disrupted healthcare and support services

Minister Chikunga warned that these barriers can become life-threatening during floods, storms and other emergency situations.

"Extreme weather conditions worsen existing health challenges and disrupt access to essential healthcare and support services. Heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds pose a disproportionate risk to persons with disabilities, many of whom face mobility challenges, limited access to emergency services, and barriers to timely information," Chikunga said.

The Minister added that vulnerable groups living in informal settlements, rural communities and under-resourced areas face even greater risks due to weak infrastructure and limited access to emergency support systems.

Accessibility Gaps Leave Many Without Critical Information

One of the department's major concerns is the continued inaccessibility of early warning systems and disaster-related communication channels.

The DWYPD said many persons with disabilities are still unable to access critical emergency information because warnings are not always available in accessible formats such as:

• Sign language interpretation

• Braille communication

• Audio-assisted alerts

• Easy-to-read formats

• Accessible digital platforms

The department warned that excluding persons with disabilities from emergency communication systems undermines disaster response efforts and increases vulnerability during crises.

Experts have increasingly called for universal accessibility standards in disaster communication as climate emergencies become more frequent globally.

Government Urged to Prioritise Inclusive Disaster Response

The DWYPD has called on all spheres of government, municipalities, emergency services and community organisations to immediately strengthen inclusive disaster response measures.

The department outlined several urgent interventions needed to protect persons with disabilities during severe weather emergencies, including:

• Ensuring accessible early warning systems with sign language interpretation

• Expanding accessible communication formats

• Prioritising evacuation support for persons with disabilities

• Providing accessible temporary shelters and sanitation facilities

• Ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare and support services

• Strengthening coordination with disability organisations and advocacy groups

Officials stressed that disaster response planning must move beyond generic emergency strategies and incorporate disability-sensitive approaches at every level.

Communities and Families Called to Support Vulnerable Residents

The department also appealed directly to families, caregivers, neighbours and community leaders to actively check on persons with disabilities during severe weather conditions.

Authorities warned that social isolation, mobility limitations and communication barriers can leave many vulnerable residents stranded or unable to seek assistance during emergencies.

The DWYPD said community solidarity and local support networks remain essential in ensuring vulnerable individuals are not left behind during evacuations and disaster interventions.

Inclusive Disaster Planning Seen as Human Rights Imperative

Minister Chikunga emphasised that disaster management must be grounded in human rights principles that protect dignity, equality and inclusion for all citizens.

"Disaster situations must not deepen existing inequalities of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that inclusive measures are implemented effectively," Chikunga said.

Advocates for disability rights say the growing frequency of climate-related disasters has highlighted the urgent need for South Africa to integrate disability inclusion into national climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.

Global studies have consistently shown that persons with disabilities are among the groups most vulnerable to climate emergencies due to structural inequalities, inaccessible infrastructure and limited participation in emergency planning systems.

Growing Pressure for Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure

The warning from the DWYPD comes as South Africa continues to face increasing climate volatility, including severe storms, flooding, droughts and extreme weather events linked to global climate change.

Policy experts say the country's disaster management systems must evolve rapidly to become more resilient, inclusive and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations.

This includes:

• Climate-resilient housing and infrastructure

• Accessible public transport systems

• Inclusive urban planning

• Community-based emergency preparedness

• Disability-inclusive emergency response training

The department said it will continue working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that persons with disabilities remain protected, visible and included during all disaster response efforts.