NDF executes mandate through flood relief operations

Maria David

THE Namibian Defence Force (NDF) is actively engaged in a significant humanitarian relief operation, demonstrating its commitment to its mandate of providing assistance and support to civil authorities and communities.

Launched in March, the operation is addressing the critical needs of communities severely impacted by recent heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in the Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati, and Kunene regions.

According to the Ministry of Defence official page, the NDF’s efforts encompass a range of essential services, including healthcare provision, relocation assistance for displaced individuals, and the distribution of crucial drought and flood relief aid to the most affected areas.

Wing Commander Eliaser Ambambi, the commander of the ongoing operation, indicated the importance of this secondary role of the NDF.

Ambambi said the provision of assistance and support to civil powers, authorities, and communities is a vital aspect of the NDF’s responsibilities. The current operations serve as a clear testament to the fact that the Namibian Defence Force is resolutely living up to its mandate.

“Our personnel are actively involved in airlifting essential health professionals to reach those cut off by floodwaters, collaborating with councillors to ensure the efficient delivery of food aid, and safely relocating flood victims to higher, safer ground,” he said.

He added that the extensive flooding has rendered normal routes impassable in many of their operational areas, making air support and specialized vehicles indispensable. Consequently, the duration of this crucial operation is directly dependent on the receding water levels.

The communities on the receiving end of this vital assistance have voiced their profound gratitude and satisfaction with the NDF’s timely intervention.

Residents have emphasized that their livelihoods would have faced severe devastation without the support provided.

They also indicated the critical importance of accessible healthcare services in these flood-prone areas, where the risk of waterborne diseases is significantly elevated.

To effectively execute this humanitarian mission, the NDF has deployed a combination of helicopters for rapid response and transportation, specialized vehicles to navigate flooded terrains, and dedicated personnel who are working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.