Namibian coastline battling severe Eastwind

Floris Steenkamp

THE east wind has been battering Walvis Bay since 01:00, causing sand to infiltrate homes through various openings, including doors, windows, joints, and cracks in ceiling boards.

The east wind conditions have been raging along the southern coastline, resulting in extraordinary dust and sand storms in Lüderitz and Oranjemund for several days.

North of Walvis Bay, the east wind has been affecting Dolphin Beach, Langstrand, Swakopmund, Wlotzkasbaken, Henties Bay, and the northern coastline, as reported by citizens.

A video clip of a sandstorm near Lüderitz went viral, with the exclusive information about its origin and location shared with Informanté.

Canadian investors in a graphite mine being developed southeast of Aus visited the area over the weekend. They experienced dry, cold, and windy conditions, which were different from the moist, cold weather they were accustomed to in Canada. Despite having underfloor heating and climate control in most buildings, they admired the resilience of Namibians who continued with their daily activities despite the adverse weather conditions.

The mine has been pounded by east winds of approximately 50 kilometres per hour since the weekend, similar to other parts of southwestern Namibia in recent days.

These weather conditions are a result of extreme cold weather experienced in South Africa and Namibia. Two weeks ago, the same cold weather brought rain showers, with parts around Aus receiving between 80mm and 100mm of rainfall.

The investors encountered a dust storm about 30 km from Lüderitz during a convoy to the town. They decided to turn around and return to Aus due to the visibility barrier created by the dust storm. The video supports their decision. The investors subsequently left for Windhoek and hoped to return to southern Namibia when the weather improved.

The timing of their return remains uncertain, as weather forecasts predict another cold front moving towards the South African coastline from the Southern Ocean. This would bring more rain, snow, and extreme cold, leading to further east wind conditions along the Namibian coastline.

Tuesday morning in Walvis Bay was frustrating for many residents, as they had to continuously sweep away sand from their homes and businesses. The sand encroachment seemed unstoppable, and people resorted to innovative measures such as using empty plastic bags to seal openings and protect their homes.

Coastal residents often refer to these extreme windy conditions as “The Doctor,” similar to the famous southwesterly winds in Cape Town referred to as the “Cape’s Doctor.” These winds help dry out homes, cupboards, closets, and disinfect pavements and public spaces from germs that thrive in wet, foggy winter weather.

Pictures attached show the date of 11 June 2023 written in the dust and sand that quickly infiltrated a house after being swept. Another picture depicts a cyclist taking advantage of the east wind as he rides to work. The wind is expected to cause havoc on the B2 coastal road near Walvis Bay, where sand traditionally blocks the road surface during extreme conditions. Minor damage to roofs, as well as fallen trees or branches, is also a realistic possibility.