BACHELORS OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING in the

Disasters are known to have no boundaries. Over the last thirty years the annual number of disasters world-wide has tripled which leads to humanitarian crises. Disasters usually occur unexpectedly resulting in incredible suffering and damage within a short period of time. No matter how advanced a nation may be it is never immune to the negative effects of disasters. Disasters have been in the world since its existence. Civilisations have been decimated in an instant. Populations as much as 50 % have been reduced due to pandemics and epidemics. Non-profit organisations are actively involved in trying to minimise the amount of damage that can occur and provide aid to the community affected. South Africa is at risk of natural disasters due to the country being located within a region that has a semi-arid to arid climate and the population is living in fragile and vulnerable conditions. Climate change will also increase the occurrence of disasters world-wide and the risks involved. The need for assistance in how to prevent, predict, prepare and manage disasters therefore exists. South Africa can gain from having more control in dealing with these critical issues, by creating a more effective response system, improving information flow in, out and within these disasters and trying to fin