Recently, the Eastern Cape government has activated its disaster management teams to assist communities impacted by heavy rains in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Hundreds of families have been displaced due to the flooding, and unfortunately, one person has lost their life. Just last week, The Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) dispatched Aquatic Rescue Unit teams to Soweto to help distressed motorists trapped in water along the flooded Klipspruit Valley Road. So, in this conversation, we ask, is South Africa well equipped for disaster management? Lerato Mbele speaks to Raeesa Soomar, Director & town planner of Somaar and Co Professional Town Planners and, Prof. Hope Magidimisha Chipungu from the department of town and regional planning from UKZN.