Staff Reporter
THE Zambezi River has increased by more than 3 metres (m) over the past week and is now nearing 7m, posing significant safety concerns as it continues to overflow into parts of the Zambezi Region.
This was highlighted by the Hydrological Services of Namibia, which reported that the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo recorded a water level of 3.63m last Monday and rose to 5.88m by Saturday. The sharp increase continued during the weekend, with the river exceeding the 6m mark and reaching 6.37m on Sunday. The river continued to rise on Monday, 9 March 2026, recording a level of 6.68m.
This means the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo rose by 3.05m between last Monday and this Monday. The rapid journey to 6.68m is particularly striking when compared to last year, when the river measured just 2.06m on the same date (9 March 2025).
RAPIDLY RISING: Video shows the Zambezi River in Katima Mulilo. Video: Facebook (Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge)
The river is currently overflowing, and surrounding communities are urged to be cautious.
“The river has started overflowing its banks and water is spreading into the eastern Zambezi floodplains. Early flood alert and readiness are advised for the eastern Zambezi floodplains,” the Hydrological Services of Namibia said.
The Kavango River water level also remains high. At Rundu, the river rose from 6.56m last Monday to 6.78m this Monday, while at Divundu it increased from 3.98m to 4.09m during the same period. These levels are slightly higher than those recorded last year on 9 March 2025, when the Kavango River measured 6.48m at Rundu and 4.08m at Divundu.
Meanwhile, in the south, the Orange River also recorded slight increases. At Sendelingsdrift, the river rose from 2.32m last Monday to 2.57m this Monday, while at Blouputs it increased from 2.31m to 2.55m over the same period.
