From plane crashes to bombings and excessive flooding, the province's risk management authorities are readying themselves for any possible disaster during next year's World Cup.

With just more than 200 days to the tournament, and more than 350 000 fans expected, officials say they are working around the clock to ensure visitors, spectators and the public are safe.

Scenario planning, including an emergency evacuation strategy for the stadium, has been completed and is set to be tested early next year, according to Greg Pillay, head of the city's disaster risk management centre.

He said all possible threats and hazards had been taken into account.

"Measures are being implemented to reduce disaster risk by all applicable line function departments and relevant agencies in the city," said Pillay.

"Planning for stadium evacuation has been completed and this aspect will be tested when the stadium building is finished."

Tests would be carried out during the first quarter of next year. It was expected "test events" would be held at the new stadium.

Schalk Carstens, head of the province's 2010 disaster risk management team, said every possible risk was being assessed.

While several simulation exercises had been held during the past few months, authorities needed to "be ready for anything" in 2010.

"If there is widespread flooding, a huge accident on any of the main routes or a crash-landing on the N2 highway, we have to be ready," said Carstens.

"We are looking at every possible disaster and how our emergency services would respond in any situation.

"We are working with the police, emergency services and local municipalities, but will also depend on help from neighbouring provinces if necessary."

Carstens, who also serves on the national 2010 disaster risk management board, said the influx of tourists could place enormous stresses on essential and utility services, such as water and electricity supply, health and transport systems during the tournament.

The disaster risk management plan focuses on the emergency preparedness of the stadium, fan park, fan walk, viewing areas, VIP protection, and the safety aspects of identified hotels and guest houses.

Earlier, Pillay said his main goal for 2010 was ensuring that the city's risk management centre was sufficiently staffed.

He said the World Cup was to be held at a time when the city traditionally experienced "large-scale flooding", so extra staff would be a necessity.

More than 90 percent of all medical equipment required for the World Cup had been acquired, the province's health spokeswoman, Faiza Steyn, said. This included two new helicopters that were in operation.

"The medical plan for the Fifa final draw has been completed, and that for the tournament is in its final draft," said Steyn.

"The services... will be (provided) by the provincial Department of Health in conjunction with the private health care sector and the South African Military Health Services, as well as volunteer organisations."