Natal Flood Disaster
South Africa, Durban · 1987-11-16
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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front
This cover is postmarked on 16 November 1987 in Durban. It was issued in response to the Natal flood disaster, which struck the province between 27 September and 3 October 1987 and remains one of the most severe natural disasters in South African history at the time. The stamps used on this cover are surcharged versions of the existing 16c Durban City Hall definitive, overprinted with the words Natal Flood Disaster and Vloedramp Natal and carrying an additional 10c charge. That surcharge went directly toward flood relief efforts. One detail that stands out is the significance of this overprint itself. It marked the first time a surcharge overprint had been applied to a South African stamp already in active circulation, rather than to a new or special issue. Similar overprints followed shortly after on the Bible and Dias 500 commemorative stamps.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows a hand painted scene of flood damage in Natal. Muddy floodwater fills the foreground, carved into rough channels around an uprooted tree stump. In the background a small house with a red roof stands partly surrounded by water, with trees and fencing visible through the grey haze of rain. The style is loose and painterly rather than precise. That fits the subject matter well. It gives an impression of the scene without dwelling on graphic detail, which suits a cover commemorating a disaster relief effort rather than the event itself. Below the illustration the title reads Flood Disaster Vloedramp Natal, printed in a rough handwritten style. It sits well with the subdued colour palette used throughout the design.
Information Card
THE NATAL FLOOD DISASTER During the week of 27 September to 3 October 1987 South Africa was hit by the worst natural disaster in living memory when torrential rains caused a devastating deluge in the Natal province. More than 300 people were killed, many remain missing, thousands lost their homes and all they possessed, and damages totalling R1½ milliard were caused. South Africans were all deeply affected by the plight of the flood victims. A unique opportunity to render assistance is created by the issue of the current 16c definitive stamp (Durban City Hall) with the overprints Natal Flood Disaster and Vloedramp Natal and a 10c surcharge which will be utilized for relief of flood distress. This is the first time that use is made of a surcharge overprint on a South African stamp currently in use. Similar surcharge overprints will be printed on the 16c stamps of the special issues The Bible (19 November 1987) and Dias 500 (3 February 1988). P.T. DIE NATAL-VLOEDRAMP In die week van 27 September tot 3 Oktober 1987 is Suid-Afrika deur die ergste natuurramp in mensegeheue getref toe stortreëns 'n verwoestende watervloed in die provinsie Natal veroorsaak het. Meer as 300 mense is dood, talle word nog vermis, duisende het hul huise en al hul besittings verloor en skade van R1½ miljard is aangerig. Die nood van die vloedgeteisterdes het alle Suid-Afrikaners diep aangegryp. 'n Besondere geleentheid tot hulpverlening word geskep met die uitgifte van die huidige 16c-vasterekseël (Durban-stadhuis) met die oordruk Vloedramp Natal en Natal Flood Disaster en 'n 10c-toeslag, wat vir noodleniging aangewend sal word. Dit is die eerste keer dat 'n toeslagoordruk aangebring word op 'n Suid-Afrikaanse seël wat op die oomblik in gebruik is. 'n Soortgelyke toeslagoordruk sal ook op die 16c-seëls van die spesiale uitgiftes Die Bybel (19 November 1987) en Dias 500 (3 Februarie 1988) aangebring word. P.T.
Theme: National Events
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R0.2 (ZAR)
SAPO serial number: 4.22.1
Estimated value: ~US$0.06
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 248 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
