Staff Reporter
AUTHORITIES have issued a warning for possible flash flooding in several regions of Namibia as moderate to heavy rainfall continues, swelling rivers, damaging roads and affecting communities across the country. Residents are urged to take precautions as weather conditions persist in the interior and along parts of the coast.
Meteorologists have warned that moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by possible flash floods, is expected in parts of the Kunene, Erongo and central northern regions. Moderate falls are also forecast over the northern and central coastal areas. The advisory remains in effect as tropical moisture continues to dominate much of the interior.
Photos and Videos: Contributed, Brandberg White Lady Lodge, John Lucas, WTM Farming & Agriculture, Ministry of ICT Oshikoto regional office.
As a result of increased runoff, Brandberg White Lady Lodge has issued an urgent safety notice, warning that the Ugab River is unsafe due to strong flows. Guests and visitors have been instructed to stay out of the river until further notice.
Videos and photos shared on social media show rivers responding rapidly to the rainfall, including the Swakop River running strongly near Otjimbingwe, while travellers have also observed the Kuiseb River flowing between Walvis Bay and Solitaire. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing water following an incident in which sudden flash flooding caused a vehicle carrying tourists to be swept into a river near a remote settlement about 50 kilometres north of Uis on the C35 road, just before the D2344 junction to Omatjete and the Ugab Bridge. The fast-flowing water trapped the group, but the tourists, who are from the Netherlands, were safely rescued with assistance from community members.
Rainfall has been recorded across a wide area, with farmers and residents reporting varying amounts. Notable measurements include 32 millimetres in Uis, 29 millimetres at Kalkfeld and Alexandria north of Aranos, 26 millimetres south-east of Aranos, 25 millimetres west of Kalkfeld, and 22 millimetres at Plaas Matruh near Aranos. Other reports include 18 millimetres near Leonardville, 16 millimetres near Wilhelmstal, 14 millimetres west of Karibib, and lighter falls around Mariental, Omitara and Koës.
Additional rainfall figures recorded include 29.1 millimetres at Mannheim, 14.5 millimetres at Tsumis, 13.8 millimetres at Oshaambelo, and 9.8 millimetres in Windhoek. Okahandja, Okamboro and Omatjenne also received rainfall.
While the rain has been welcomed by many farmers, it has also caused damage in some areas. In the Omuthiya Constituency, strong winds associated with the storm system damaged homes in Okakoko and Okaniita locations, leaving one elderly resident displaced and another man injured after a tree fell onto a shack.
The Roads Authority has cautioned motorists that heavy rain can wash away road surfaces, create potholes and increase the risk of accidents. Motorists are advised to slow down, keep safe following distances, avoid driving through moving water and ensure headlights are switched on for better visibility.
Meanwhile, Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has inspected several gravel roads in the Oshana Region that were severely damaged by floodwater. Affected routes include the Omagongati–Shipepe, Okapya–Onakamwandi, Ondangwa–Ompandakani and Okapya–Ohalushu roads. Motorists have been urged to use alternative routes where possible, as some sections remain impassable.
Authorities continue to monitor weather and road conditions closely and have urged the public to remain alert, avoid flooded areas and follow safety advisories as rainfall continues in the coming days.
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