Seasonal weather events and their impact on buildings around Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa
North West University, Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, P/Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
Kabanda, T.H., North West University, Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, P/Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Palamuleni, L.G., North West University, Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, P/Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
The study used time series analysis of climatic data (1978 to 2009) of rainfall, temperature and wind to investigate the impact of extreme weather events on buildings and their surroundings in Mafikeng, South Africa. Questionnaires were administered on 100 households in order to establish residents' experiences on seasonal weather events. Mafikeng and its environs, belong to arid climate regions; it features a long term mean seasonal rainfall of approximately 76mm and it receives a unimodal rain season which starts in October and end in April of the following year. In this study, the results reveals that Mafikeng experienced the highest rainfall during the 1997 with a seasonal rainfall mean of 117 mm and the lowest rainfall was experienced during the 1991 season (32 mm). The 1997 rainfall resulted into waterlogging and leaking of roofs in the homes. Extreme temperatures were experienced in the area during 1992 summer season where the highest mean maximum temperature of 37°C was recorded. Usually the maximum temperature in Mafikeng range between 25°C and 32°C. The lowest minimum temperature (-7.5°C) was observed in 1994 during the cold season. The study identified that the extreme weather events in Mafikeng are associated with building fatigue, which resulted into structural damages such as cracked walls, windblown roofs, dust accumulating indoors from dust storms and noise pollution. The study highlights the need for maintaining appropriate building standards, designs and regular review of standards in Mafikeng and its surroundings in order to address climate extreme and the climate change issues.
