Floods in northern Namibia do not pose significant threat: MAWLR

Share This Article:

The floods that are currently being experienced in northern Namibia do not pose a significant emergency risk, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has said.

The ministry in a media release on Monday said the current magnitude and speed of flash floods do not pose threat, but residents are advised to practice caution.

“Community members and school children in the flood-prone areas should take the necessary preventative measures and are advised to use alternative routes when crossing the flooded areas,” it advised.

It also said the flood water is currently concentrated in the streams west of Oshikango in the areas of Engela, Eeshoke, Oimbadalunga, Onghala, and Ohaingu.

The rainfall confirmed by the ministry’s hydrology division in the first week of January led to the flash floods observed and reported in the floodplains around Ondjiva all the way to the Namacunde area in southern Angola.

The flooding situation is subject to change if substantial rain continues in the Cuvelai catchment area in both Angola and Namibia, it said.

Meanwhile, the ministry said according to the seasonal rainfall forecast, this year will be a La Niña year, meaning normal to above normal rainfall is expected.

It has therefore dispatched a team of additional hydrologists to monitor and provide updates to the public where necessary in the affected areas.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency