Staff Reporter
WATER levels in the country’s north-eastern rivers continued to rise this week, prompting authorities to urge the activation of flood preparedness and response measures.
These rivers include the Zambezi, Chobe and Kavango.
According to the Hydrological Services of Namibia, the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo measured 6.84 metres on Thursday, 19 March, an increase from 6.75 metres recorded a week earlier.
The Kavango River at Rundu has now surpassed the 7-metre threshold, reaching 7.28 metres on Thursday, while the Kavango River at Divundu recorded a water level of 4.16 metres on the same day.
Similarly, the Chobe River at Ngoma Gate has experienced a rise, increasing from 3.47 metres on Wednesday, 18 March, to 3.60 metres on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Orange River in the south has seen a slight decline. According to the Hydrological Services of Namibia, the Orange River at Blouputs dropped from 2.61 metres on Wednesday to 2.59 metres on Thursday, while the Orange River at Sendelingsdrift maintained a water level of 2.44 metres during the same period.
The Hydrological Services of Namibia has therefore warned the public to remain vigilant in flood-prone areas.
“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,” the Hydrological Services added.
Communities near the Zambezi River, in particular, are urged to remain cautious and vigilant, as the river is overflowing and water is spreading into parts of the Zambezi Region.
“The river has overflowed its banks, and floodwaters are spreading into the eastern Zambezi floodplains. A flood alert is therefore advised for these areas. Communities are advised to remain on high alert and activate flood preparedness and response measures,” the Hydrological Services added.
ON THE RISE: Recent footage of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. Video and Photos: Facebook (Edward Bwalya Kabiba; Gondwana Collection Namibia).
