Staff Reporter
WHILE recent rainfall has been largely concentrated in the //Kharas and Otjozondjupa regions, more widespread rain is expected, with several regions likely to be affected on Thursday.
According to the Namibia Meteorological Services, rainfall on Thursday is expected to affect the Omaheke, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi regions. The public is advised to exercise caution during heavy rainfall and to avoid crossing flooded areas or rivers.
RECENT RAIN: Photos and videos showing recent rainfall and aftermath. Photos: Facebook (Rheta Kruger Smeer; Rochelle Barry; Rudolf Petrus Van Wyk; Anna Ulrich; Remona van Litzenborgh).
This warning is particularly important for the Zambezi Region, where the Zambezi River is already overflowing into the eastern floodplains. The Hydrological Services of Namibia reported that the river reached a level of 6.83 metres on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.
However, communities in all flood-prone areas are urged to remain on high alert and to activate flood preparedness and response measures, especially given forecasts of widespread showers.
“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 urged.
Several areas have already experienced notable rainfall this week. In the Otjozondjupa Region, places such as Otavi and Otjiwarongo recorded showers in recent days. However, the most significant rainfall occurred in the //Kharas Region, where areas between Aroab and Keetmanshoop received approximately 65 mm on Tuesday, while Aroab itself recorded around 18 mm.
