South Africa should start building resilience against climate change sooner than later, a top International Monetary Fund (IMF) official has warned.
IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva made the remarks on Friday in the aftermath of devastating floods in South Africa which killed over 340 people and affected over 40,000 others this week.
President Cyril Ramaphosa linked the flash floods to climate change following his visit to the disaster area in KwaZulu-Natal province on Wednesday.
“If you want to build adaptation to climate shocks, you need time to put policies in place and get the results of these policies – and talking about climate change,” Georgieva said.
She added: “Unfortunately, these risks are growing and we, at the IMF, see our role to direct resources from our members towards addressing these risks.”
South Africa released nearly US$70 million on Friday as initial emergency assistance to the victims of the floods, with more funds expected following a visit by a ministerial assessment team.
NM/jn/APA