Answer:
Line thunderstorms, also called squall lines, can cause several harmful effects in the eastern half of South Africa:
1. Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Intense and prolonged rainfall can lead to flooding in low-lying areas, damaging homes, infrastructure, and agriculture. Flash floods can be dangerous and even deadly.
2. Soil Erosion: The downpour washes away fertile topsoil, harming agricultural lands and reducing crop yields. Sedimentation in rivers and water bodies can occur.
3. Damaging Winds: Strong straight-line winds, known as derechos, can uproot trees, damage buildings, power lines, and disrupt electricity supply.
4. Hailstorms: Thunderstorms in the region can produce hail, causing damage to crops, vehicles, and buildings, resulting in economic losses.
5. Lightning Strikes: Lightning can cause fires, damage electrical equipment, and pose safety risks to people.
6. Temperature Extremes: Rapid temperature changes before and after the storm can stress plants and animals not adapted to such fluctuations.
7. Air Pollution: Thunderstorms can create ground-level ozone, harmful to human health and the environment.
8. Disruption to Ecosystems: Abrupt weather changes from thunderstorms can disturb wildlife and impact breeding and feeding habits.
9. Water Quality: Heavy rainfall can wash pollutants and debris into water bodies, harming aquatic life and human health.
Overall, line thunderstorms in this area can have severe negative impacts on the environment, necessitating understanding and management of severe weather risks.