Staff Reporter
MORE villages and towns across the north-western, central and southern parts of the country are experiencing flooding, as continuous rainfall and rising river levels push the situation to critical levels.
The Kunene Region was among the most affected, with several areas left flooded — including Sesfontein and Opuwo — following heavy rains. Other parts of the country also experienced significant showers over the weekend. These include Windhoek in the Khomas Region, Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region, Omaruru in the Erongo Region, Gobabis in the Omaheke Region, Gochas in the Hardap Region, and Karasburg in the //Kharas Region, among others.
Dam levels continue to rise due to sustained inflow from rivers fed by rainfall in upstream catchment areas. According to the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), the Hardap Dam and Von Bach Dam recorded water capacities of 74.9% and 65.6% on Friday, 4 April.
The Swakoppoort Dam remains above capacity, recording a water level of 100.6% on Friday.
The Naute Dam also saw a remarkable rise, going from 66.7% on Friday to 82.4% today.
With more rain forecast in the coming days, water levels are expected to rise further, raising concerns about possible overflow and extended flooding.
According to the Namibia Meteorological Services, the Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango, Khomas, Omaheke, Hardap and //Kharas regions are expected to receive rainfall on Monday.
The heaviest rainfall is anticipated in the south-eastern parts of the country. The public is advised to remain cautious, as flooding remains a likely risk with moderate to heavy rainfall continuing.
Ironically, just four months ago, Namibia was gripped by one of the most severe droughts in its recorded history. Now, the nation faces the opposite extreme, with widespread floods threatening communities from the Orange River in the south to the Kavango and Zambezi Rivers in the north and north-east.
