Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 30 October 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The Red Cross says early indications are that Hurricane Melissa caused a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe in the Caribbean. The British Red Cross’s Alexander Pendry says whole communities are reportedly underwater and the damage caused by strong winds has been devastating. Emergency teams have been mobilising across the region as Melissa continues its trajectory across Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Pendry explains the immediate priorities are search and rescue and ensuring people have access to healthcare, safe shelter, clean water, food and other essential supplies.

Back home:

# The Department of Water and Sanitation says the Vaal Dam has reached full capacity again, recording a level of 100.88-percent on Tuesday. During the same period last year, the dam stood at just 34.77-percent. The department says consistent rainfall across Gauteng and parts of the Free State has allowed the dam to maintain steady levels. It adds although the levels are healthy, authorities will continue to monitor the system closely to maintain balance across the catchment area.

# And finally: The City of Cape Town is intensifying efforts to curb air pollution by cracking down on diesel vehicle emissions. City Health’s Air Quality Management Unit conducts daily roadside testing of diesel vehicles to ensure that the contribution of diesel vehicle emissions to ambient air quality and visible brown haze is minimised. Mayoral committee member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, says the metro is one of just a few authorities in the country that conduct diesel vehicle testing:

Stay tuned for more news………….