Northern, central and eastern areas receive substantial rainfall, more expected

Staff Reporter

SEVERAL places in the northern, central and eastern parts of the country have received significant rain this week, and more rain is expected for the remainder of this week as well as next week.

According to Namibia Meteorological Services’ rainfall bulletins, several places in the northern, central and eastern regions have recorded substantial rainfall this week. One of these places is Khomas Region’s Okahua, which recorded a total of 36mm between Wednesday and Thursday morning.

Windhoek also received consistent rainfall this week, and even some hail at certain areas on Thursday. This can be seen in various photos and videos that were widely shared on social media, where Facebook users also reported that some parts of the capital recorded between 23mm and 26mm of rain on Thursday.

The Otjozondjupa Region was also not excluded from this week’s extensive rainfall as many places in the region received generous rain. This includes Otavi, which recorded a total of 18,8mm of rain between Monday and Friday morning, according to Namibia Meteorological Services’ collective rainfall bulletins.

Most of this week’s rain was, however, concentrated on the North.
In the Zambezi Region, Katima Mulilo recorded a total of 59,4mm of rain between Monday and Friday morning, while Ngoma recorded a total of 40mm of rain during the same period.

Other northern towns such as Okapya, in the Omusati Region, and Oshikango, in the Ohangwena Region, also received generous rainfall this week, recording a total of 108,5mm and 23mm of rain respectively between Monday and Friday morning.

According to the Hydrological Services of Namibia’s recent Flood Bulletin, moderate to heavy rains will likely continue in the northern, central and eastern regions from 26 January to 3 February. However, the rain will likely persist beyond this period as normal to above normal rain is predicted for this year’s general rainy season.

Communities living in flood-prone areas are therefore advised to be alert and cautious. This warning applies to communities living near the Cuvelai Basin, Okavango River, Zambezi River, eastern Zambezi floodplains, Lower Kuiseb catchment, Mariental, Lower Orange River and the Kunene River.