Staff Reporter
THE flow rate of the Kunene River has been declining since the weekend.
According to the Hydrological Services of Namibia, the Kunene River’s flow rate at Ruacana was 1,540.50 cubic metres per second (m³/s) on Saturday, 25 April 2026, which decreased to 1,475.30 m³/s by Sunday, 26 April 2026. By Monday, 27 April 2026, the flow rate had dropped further to 1,125.50 m³/s.
Despite this decline, the current flow rate remains higher than it was on the same date last year. The Hydrological Services of Namibia revealed that the Kunene River recorded a flow rate of 708.10 m³/s on 27 April 2025.
KUNENE: Photos of the Kunene River at Ruacana. Photos: Facebook (LeShané De Jager)
Several other rivers have also experienced a decrease in flow since Saturday, 25 April 2026.
The Hydrological Services of Namibia reported that the Zambezi River’s water levels have continued to decline. On Saturday, the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo stood at 6.17m, dropped to 6.16m on Sunday, and further decreased to 6.15m on Monday. However, the current levels are still higher than those recorded last year on 27 April 2025.
“The current level remains significantly higher than the 5.33m observed during the corresponding period last year. The eastern Zambezi floodplains continue to fill up, with notable backflow extending towards Ngoma Bridge and Lake Liambezi. Meanwhile, the Chobe River at Ngoma Gate recorded a water level of 3.99m 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 added.
The Kavango River at Rundu has also shown a slight decrease, with levels falling from 6.76m on Saturday to 6.74m on Sunday, and 6.73m on Monday. The level recorded on Monday is lower than the 7.46m recorded on the same date last year, 27 April 2025.
In the south, the Orange River has also experienced a decline in water levels. The Lower Orange River at Sendelingsdrift measured 1.60m on Saturday, 1.53m on Sunday, and 1.49m on Monday.
