Staff Reporter
THE rainy – and in some areas stormy – weather persisting across the country is increasing the risk of flash floods, and the public, especially those travelling this week, is advised to remain cautious.
Several areas, especially in the North, have already experienced heavy showers this week, leaving some places flooded.
Parts of the Kunene Region, in particular, have received heavy rainfall, with some places within the region recording between 30 millimetres (mm) and 50mm within a few hours on Monday. These include Outjo and surrounding areas, Nubes, Kamanjab, Fransfontein and Khorixas.
RECENT RAINS: Photos and videos of recent rainfall. Photos and videos: Facebook (Andre Barnard Jnr; Eunice Carew, Corene Kotz, Derek Van Der Merwe, Rheta Kruger Smeer, Yvonne Von Holtz, Danie Jansen van Vuuren, Angelina Ndinouange Immanuel, Kgalemang Sechogela, Thomas Shangula, Monarch Lifeguard).
Heavy to moderate showers have also persisted in other northern areas outside Kunene, leaving places such as Ondangwa flooded.
Beyond the northern parts of the country, the Otjozondjupa Region has also witnessed favourable showers this week. Kalkfeld and surrounding areas reportedly recorded as much as 72mm of rain, while Otavi recorded 30mm of rain between Monday and Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, areas around the Von Bach Dam reportedly recorded 60mm between Friday and Monday.
Cloudy skies and light to moderate showers have also persisted in Windhoek in the Khomas Region. Some parts of the capital recorded around 15mm of rain, while others saw around 20mm between Monday and Tuesday.
According to Namibia Meteorological Services, more showers are expected across various parts of the country from the north to the south this week. Rundu, Ondangwa, Windhoek and Keetmanshoop were highlighted as areas likely to see further thundershowers on Wednesday and Thursday.
Rain is also expected along the coast later this week. Namibia Meteorological Services identified Walvis Bay in the Erongo Region as one of the coastal areas likely to experience thunderstorms on Thursday.
Namibia Meteorological Services cautioned that this week’s widespread rainfall may lead to flash floods. Members of the public are therefore encouraged to be cautious, especially when travelling.
