Staff Reporter
THE Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo is overflowing, with water levels nearing the 5-metre (m) mark, prompting authorities to issue flood warnings to surrounding communities.
According to the Hydrological Services of Namibia, the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo recorded a water level of 4.89 m on Thursday, 5 March 2026. This represents a significant rise from the 2.67 m recorded on Thursday, 26 February 2026. The Hydrological Services of Namibia therefore called for intensified flood preparedness efforts, as the river is already overflowing into the eastern Zambezi floodplains.
Several other rivers have also seen notable rises in water levels. The Kavango River at Rundu rose from 6.50 m last week to 6.75 m this week, while the Kavango River at Divundu increased from 3.79 m to 4.02 m over the same period. The Kunene River’s flow has also intensified, rising from 174.20 cubic metres per second (m³/s) last week to 269.50 m³/s this week.
In the south, the Orange River at Blouputs rose from 2.19 m last week to 2.49 m this week, while at Sendelingsdrift it increased from 1.64 m to 2.31 m during the same period.
“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 include the Cuvelai–Etosha Basin, the Okavango River and its banks, the Zambezi River banks and eastern Zambezi floodplains, the Lower Kuiseb Catchment, the Hardap–Mariental area, the Lower Orange River, and the Kunene River,” advised the Hydrological Services of Namibia.
Photo: Kubu & Kwena Lodge
