Staff Reporter
THIS week has seen sustained rainfall across various parts of the country, and these conditions are expected to continue, with the heaviest downpours are forecast for the //Kharas Region.
These recent showers have made a significant impact. In Windhoek, it has caused property damage, particularly in the Max Mutongolume informal settlement (Moses Garoëb Constituency), where several homes have been affected by the heavy showers. According to the City of Windhoek, assessments by the Disaster Risk Management team found that many of the affected residents are living in a riverbed, where natural water flow occurs, contributing to flooding.
RECENT RAINFALL: Photos and videos showing recent showers and their impact. Contributed and Facebook (City of Windhoek; Gondwana Collection Namibia; Rudi Stein; Brandberg White Lady Lodge; Marc Springer; Liane’ Odendaal Smit; Estelle Esterhuizen; Toni K Hart; Sakaria Kandenge; Sondi Pitso Werner; Goanikontes-Oasis; Lien le Grange; Johann van Schalkwyk).
The City of Windhoek has assured residents that those affected will be informed of the way forward. However, the municipality has warned against occupying land that is prone to flooding and not legally allocated. It has also urged residents to refrain from moving through flooded areas and rivers.
Beyond Windhoek, several other areas in the country have also been impacted by the recent showers. The D1991 road between Swakopmund and Arandis is among those affected by the persistent rainfall, which has at times rendered the road inaccessible, particularly to smaller vehicles.
The rain has also strengthened rivers across the country, including the Tsiseb, Kuiseb and Konkiep rivers.
This follows a week characterised by widespread showers, affecting areas from north to south. These include northern areas such as Ondangwa, central areas such as Windhoek, and southern areas such as Sesriem. Further widespread showers are expected to persist across the country.
According to the Namibia Meteorological Service, thundershowers are expected in various parts of the country on Friday, particularly in the north-western and southern regions. Severe thundershowers are expected to affect the //Kharas Region in particular on Friday. These conditions may result in flash flooding in some areas, and the public is therefore advised to remain alert and cautious.
