Satellite shows drought

2003-10-16 22:24

Annie Olivier

Pretoria - Satellite images of the condition of vegetation in Limpopo and northern KwaZulu-Natal, show that these regions are even worse off than they were during the severe drought of 1992.

Phillips Frost of the satellite centre of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Hartbeeshoek said images of vegetation in the drought stricken areas (Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga) showed a "shocking resemblance" to images of these provinces during the drought ten years ago.

Processed satellite images relate the condition and growth potential of plants in these provinces.

"The vegetation chart of Limpopo shows that the areas around Polokwane (Pietersburg) and Lephalale (Ellisras) are most affected. This year's chart corresponds greatly to the one of 1992, apart from the area around Musina where conditions are still better than during the previous drought."

A comparison with the particularly wet season of 1999 shows the extent of the drought in Limpopo at present. Frost said the charts showed the poor grazing conditions and that the soil did not have enough moisture for farmers who have to plant crops.

- Beeld