Enviro Health

What are tsunamis?
The world watched in horror as a 10m tsunami caused devastation along the coast of Japan following a 9.0-magnitude earthquake.

How to survive an earthquake
Would you know what to do if an earthquake struck? Many injuries and deaths from this kind of natural disaster could be prevented if people follow some basic guidelines.

Can you outrun a veldfire?
When do you fight fire, when do you hide from it - and when do you just run?

The long, hot, fiery summer
We have officially entered the summer wildfire season. Protect yourself and your property with Health24's fire tips.

In the path of a volcano
An Icelandic volcano has erupted and spewed volcanic ash over much of northern Europe.

How to survive a flood
It doesn’t take a lot of water to cause a lot of trouble. Just 15cm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet, and 60cm can float a car.

Somerset West fire live feed
Live updates and photos direct from firefighters on the Somerset West fireline.

Disaster!
Floods, fires, volcanoes, landslides and earthquakes. Our planet can surprise us at any time. Here's how to try and survive these natural disasters.

What happened at Chernobyl?
On 26 April 1986, one of the reactors at the nuclear power plant at Chernobyl in the Ukraine exploded, leading to the worst nuclear accident in history.

Nuclear meltdown
Radiation levels near a quake-hit nuclear plant are now harmful to human health, Japan's government said after three explosions and a fire at the crippled facility.

Lightning safety tips
Lightning is probably the most underrated natural hazard. Thunderstorms are frequent events, and death from lightning strikes is not uncommon. Know the latest expert safety tips.

Carbon monoxide kills in minutes
Seven people have been found dead in an apartment complex in the Strand. It is suspected that they may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Surviving under rubble
How long can someone survive under rubble after an earthquake? Especially if they're trapped without food or water, and maybe severely injured?

Wildfire-proof your home
If you live in a fire-prone area, don’t get caught out: take these steps to protect your home.

How to survive a landslide
Sand and mud may seem innocuous, and landslides and mudslides less dramatic-sounding than hurricanes and tsunamis. But this kind of natural disaster can be deadly.

The danger spot of a cyclone
The right top quarter of a tropical cyclone is the most dangerous section of the storm. The wind is at its top speed there and it contains the most debris.

One cigarette, one inferno
This dramatic graphic drives the message home: cigarette butts really can cause fires.

FSI sleuths to tackle Cape fires
Fire Scene Investigation ("FSI") is the latest tool being used in the Western Cape to help curb its devastating wildfires.

Are you ready for meltdown?
What would you do if Koeberg blew? And how earthquake and tsunami-resistant is Cape Town nuclear power station?

Stampede: how it happens
Even a happy, peaceful crowd can suddenly transform into a deadly weapon. Why does this happen and how can you protect yourself?

Radiation and you
The radiation levels at Fukushima are now equivalent to having 4 000 chest X-rays in an hour. Is nuclear energy really worth it and what do I need to know about radiation?

Don't get struck by lightning
Lightning is an underrated natural hazard. Thunderstorms are frequent over large parts of the country, especially in summer, and death and injury from lightning not uncommon.