Margate floods: JOHANNESBURG – Four people have died in overnight floods that hit the South Coast town of Margate in KwaZulu-Natal. It is reported that a man, a woman and a baby died after their car was washed away, while one person was struck by lightning. BREAKING NEWS | Four people have lost their lives during the overnight storm in Margate, KZN. Search and rescue teams are busy recovering three bodies next to the N2. Their vehicle was washed off a bridge last night. Another person was struck by lightning. There are 1743 properties in Margate that have greater than a 26% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years. This represents 10.5% of all properties in Margate. See the risk for your property. In addition to property damage, flooding can also cut off access to utilities, emergency services, transportation, and may impact the overall economic well-being of an area. Overall, Margate has Minor risk of flooding over the next 30 years, which means flooding is likely to impact day-to-day life within the community. This is based on the level of risk the properties face rather than the proportion of properties with risk. Flood Protection Measures for Margate Communities that adapt to higher risks can limit damage and lower flood insurance costs. Margate is already investing in flood risk reduction projects, but more may be needed. Adaptation measures 1Known adaptation measures 3Properties protected by adaptation Anticipating Changes in Flood Risk for Margate Deeper floods from major events like hurricanes are less likely to occur but affect more properties than more shallow flood events, like heavy rains. While this risk is expected to remain constant over the next 30 years, this type of event has a 26% chance of occurring at least once over the life of a 30 year mortgage. Depth of flooding (ft.)00.5123+Properties at risk17Today16In 30 yearsNote: 3 properties in this area are protected by an adaptation. While the above projections take into account this reduction, risks may substantially increase in the event of failure.Historical Flood Events in MargateRisk Factor™ has no recreated models of flooding events near Margate, but that doesn’t mean this area has never flooded in the past.Steps for Communities to Enhance Flood ResilienceLowering flood risk starts with higher standards. Some places plan to a higher standard (a “500 year” standard) that lowers the number of properties at severe risk. Protecting homes to this level would reduce the risk to the 16 severely affected properties.Flood event% chance of flooding in a given year% chance of flooding over 30 years100 year1%26%500 year.2%6%Understanding the Factors Behind Changing Flood RisksA changing environment means higher seas, new weather patterns, and stronger storms. As the atmosphere warms, there is more evaporation and more water available when it rains. A warmer atmosphere also means warmer oceans, which can intensify flooding from hurricanes and offshore storms. Sea level rise also increases coastal flood risks, as higher seas mean there’s more water available when high tides and coastal storms cause flooding.Additional Community Measures to Address FloodingIndividuals, mayors, governors, and Congress can work together to build protections before flooding, build back stronger after flooding, and create plans that future-proof communities.