Housing instability

Housing instability can come fast: a dam collapse, sudden floods, violent weather or a job loss can push people out of their homes. You might recognise this from recent stories — the Alau dam collapse that flooded Maiduguri and left hundreds of thousands displaced, or coastal warnings in the Western Cape that force people away from dangerous shorelines. When your housing is at risk, clear, useful actions matter. Here’s what to do right now and how to plan ahead.

Immediate steps when you lose safe housing

Safety first. Move to higher ground or an official shelter when floods or waves threaten. If a storm or dam break is expected, follow local alerts and evacuation orders — they save lives. Take these items with you if you can: ID documents, medicines, mobile phone and charger, some cash, a water bottle, and a spare mask. Put important papers in a waterproof bag and photograph valuables and damage for insurance or relief claims.

Find official help quickly. Check with your municipality, disaster management office or local police for emergency shelters and routes. Humanitarian groups like the Red Cross, local NGOs, and health clinics often set up aid points after big events. In crowded shelters, watch sanitation closely — contaminated water and poor hygiene can trigger disease outbreaks, as happened after major flooding in Maiduguri. Drink boiled or treated water, wash hands, and seek medical help early if someone is ill.

Dealing with eviction and longer-term insecurity

Evictions and sudden loss of income also cause housing instability. If your landlord serves notice, read the notice carefully and note exact dates. Take photos of the property condition and keep records of rent payments. Reach out to local legal aid clinics, tenant unions or community organisations — they can often negotiate payment plans or delay evictions. If transport costs or low wages are the issue, look for emergency relief funds, municipal hardship grants, or workplace support. Public figures and campaigns sometimes push for help — remember that public pressure can unlock temporary relief.

Protect your home from weather damage where possible. Simple moves help: raise appliances from the floor, move furniture and documents to higher shelves, seal small gaps against water, and use sandbags for doorways. Unplug electrical items if water is likely to arrive. After a storm, take safety precautions before re-entering a home: check for structural damage, gas leaks, and downed power lines.

Plan for recovery. Register with relief agencies to get food, cash or shelter lists. Keep receipts and a damage log for insurance or aid applications. Join or start a neighbourhood savings or support group — pooled resources can help families rebuild faster. If you must move, tour possible areas first and check access to work, schools and clinics.

Want updates? Follow local news and tag pages that cover housing instability to get the latest warnings and relief info. Staying connected, organising with neighbours, and taking practical steps can reduce harm and speed recovery when housing is under threat.