Windhoek:Windhoek Mayor Sakaria Uunona and UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo have emphasized the need for stronger disaster preparedness and climate resilience as Namibia anticipates the risk of below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures during the 2026/27 rainfall season.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Uunona spoke at the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction event in Otjomuise, stressing the importance of protecting vulnerable communities under the theme 'Resilience Starts at Home.' He stated that the City of Windhoek is bolstering its disaster management systems with a Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2030, approved by the municipal council in May.

The strategy aims to enhance understanding of disaster risks, improve governance, invest in community resilience, upgrade disaster information systems, and strengthen preparedness and early warning mechanisms. Uunona noted that rapid urbanization in Windhoek has increased pressure on vulnerable communities, particularly those in informal settlements prone to flooding and severe weather.

Windhoek's population, as per the 2023 Population and Housing Census, stands at 486,186, with about one-third residing in informal housing. Uunona cited the January 2025 flash floods, which impacted roughly 300 households, as a reminder of the importance of proactive prevention and preparedness.

Phororo warned of the potential impacts of intensifying El Niño conditions, which could lead to a hotter and drier rainfall season, affecting agriculture, water resources, food security, and livelihoods. She highlighted the need for early warning systems to effectively translate forecasts into timely actions to safeguard communities.

Phororo also pointed out national efforts to enhance climate resilience through the Sixth National Development Plan and Namibia's Third Nationally Determined Contribution, focusing on water security, climate-smart agriculture, resilient infrastructure, and early warning systems. The UN system, she noted, has mobilized over US$28 million for climate and environmental priorities in the past year, aiding over 167,000 people through drought-response initiatives and supporting more than 3,800 community members in developing climate-resilient livelihoods.