Staff Reporter
AFTER substantial rainfall in southern Angola and the Cuvelai–Etosha Basin, water has begun flowing through the eastern iishana in the Ohangwena Region, with the stream expected to affect northern Namibia soon as it steadily moves downstream.
“Following good rainfall in southern Angola and the Cuvelai–Etosha Basin, flow has been observed in the eastern iishana located on the western side of the Ohangwena Region. At present, the flow remains confined within the main channels. The flow has been reported in the following constituencies: Eastern Ongenga, Central Engela, Western Ohangwena, and Central Endola. It is gradually progressing downstream and is expected to affect constituencies in the Oshana Region, including Eastern Ondangwa, Ondangwa Rural, Uukwiyu, Okatana, Oshakati East, and Ompundja,” the Hydrological Services of Namibia explained.
Communities are therefore advised to remain on high alert and to activate appropriate flood preparedness and response measures.
The Hydrological Services also highlighted that persistent heavy rainfall has been observed over the Kunene basins, as well as parts of the central and south-eastern regions. Should these rainfall conditions persist, the Hydrological Services added, there is an increased likelihood of flooding in these areas.
“Communities in the Kunene, Cuvelai, central and south-eastern regions are therefore advised to remain alert, take precautionary measures, and ensure that contingency plans are in place,” the Hydrological Services urged.
The Hydrological Services revealed that the Kunene River discharge at Ruacana was measured at 323.40 m³/s on Monday morning, up from 309.10 m³/s recorded last Monday.
Meanwhile, the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo recorded a slight decrease, from 6.94 m to 6.81 m on Monday morning. Despite this decrease, the river still poses a safety risk, and the public is encouraged to remain cautious.
“The eastern Zambezi floodplains continue to fill rapidly, with notable backflow extending towards Ngoma Bridge and Lake Liambezi. The Chobe River at Ngoma Gate recorded a water level of 4.07 m this morning. In light of these conditions, a flood alert is advised for the eastern Zambezi floodplains. Communities in these areas are strongly urged to remain on high alert and to activate flood preparedness and response measures,” the Hydrological Services of Namibia added.
At the Rundu hydrological station, the Okavango River decreased from 6.53 m on Sunday to 6.37 m on Monday morning. Meanwhile, along the Lower Orange River, water levels were recorded at 2.18 m at Blouputs and 2.25 m at Sendelingsdrift on Monday morning.
Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo: NBC Digital News
