Staff Reporter
THE Zambezi River remains a safety risk at this moment, as its steady rise continues, with water levels drawing closer to the 7-metre mark.
According to Namibia’s Hydrological Services, water levels at Katima Mulilo increased from 6.73 metres on Friday, 13 March, to 6.78 metres on Monday, 16 March. This is nearly double the level recorded on the same date last year, when the river stood at 3.42 metres.
RISING RIVERS: Recent photos of the Zambezi River. Photos: Facebook (Gondwana Collection Namibia).
The Hydrological Services confirmed that the river is still overflowing, with water spreading into the eastern Zambezi floodplains. Communities in affected areas are therefore urged to remain vigilant. This warning is particularly urgent, as the river’s water level is likely to continue rising, with thundershowers expected in the Zambezi Region on Wednesday.
“A flood alert is therefore advised for the eastern Zambezi floodplains. Communities are advised to remain on high alert and activate flood preparedness and response measures,” the Hydrological Services warned.
Meanwhile, the Kavango River at Rundu is also nearing the 7-metre mark, rising from 6.75 metres on Friday, 13 March, to 6.98 metres on Monday, 16 March. This is likewise higher than last year’s level of 5.91 metres recorded on the same date.
“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, 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,” the Hydrological Services added.
