Staff Reporter
THE Namibia Meteorological Service has reiterated its warning that severe thunderstorms are expected in several areas this week, potentially leading to flooding in some places.
According to the Namibia Meteorological Service, the central-north, Zambezi, Kavango, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions are likely to be affected by severe thunderstorms, with a risk of flash flooding. Meanwhile, isolated to scattered thundershowers are anticipated in the central and southern regions of the country.
Several places have already experienced showers this week. Windhoek in the Khomas Region, Okahandja in the Otjozondjupa Region, Rehoboth in the Hardap Region, and Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas Region are among the places that have recently experienced rain showers, albeit light in some areas.
CLOUDY SKIES: Photos of clouds gathering in various parts of the country. Photos: Facebook (Sakaria Kandenge, Granville Van Neel, Rus En Vrede Safaris, John Lucas, Miriam Swanepoel, Remona van Litzenborgh).
However, the Namibia Meteorological Service has indicated that more intense thundershowers are expected in some regions. Given this forecast, the Hydrological Services of Namibia has advised communities in flood-prone areas to exercise caution and to refrain from crossing flooded rivers or streams.
“It is strongly recommended that multi-hazard contingency plans for flood risk mitigation, preparedness, and recovery be activated in flood-prone areas across Namibia. Flood-prone areas in Namibia include the Cuvelai–Etosha Basin, Okavango River and its banks, Zambezi River banks and eastern Zambezi floodplains, Lower Kuiseb Catchment, Hardap–Mariental area, Lower Orange River, and the Kunene River,” the Hydrological Services of Namibia added.
