Staff Reporter
SIGNIFICANT rainfall across parts of Namibia ushered in the New Year with flowing rivers, dramatic thunderstorms and localised flooding, prompting road safety warnings as authorities and residents reported hazardous conditions, particularly in the Erongo and Kunene regions.
Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution following reports of flood damage to the C36 route between Uis and Omaruru. Sections of the road surface have been affected, and drivers are advised to avoid travelling the route at night and to reduce speed in line with current road conditions.
Videos and photos: Contributed, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Levitate Travel, Jan Styger, Tusk & Tyre overlanding, Brandberg White Lady Lodge, Adjah Braylen
Heavy rains were recorded in several areas on New Year’s, with videos and images shared widely on social media showing normally dry rivers flowing. Footage from Uis showed the Uis River in full flow, while another video captured motorists waiting for conditions to be assessed before safely crossing the river. One driver stressed that safety checks were conducted before crossing, adding that the flowing river crossings are dangerous and that no unnecessary risks should be taken.
In Otjiwarongo, residents shared videos of rainfall over the town, with lightning visible in the distance as storms moved through the area. The river near Otjiwarongo was also reported to be flowing.
Further west, dramatic scenes unfolded in the Namib Desert. Levitate Travel at Namib Desert shared a photograph of a rainbow stretching over the desert landscape, while Jan Styger, a freelance pilot, shared aerial photos of the Sossusvlei area and reported good rainfall, describing it as “a blessed way to end the year”.
At Brandberg White Lady Lodge, staff described an intense downpour that brought more than 120 millimetres of rain in just one hour on New Year’s Eve afternoon. The heavy rain temporarily disrupted communications, flooded courtyards and caused the Ugab River to flow, while the Tsiseb River rose before later subsiding. Despite the challenging conditions, celebrations continued into the night.
The lodge advised that it remains accessible to 4×4 vehicles, with the Tsiseb River no longer flowing and access routes reopened. Separate rainfall reports from the Uis and Brandberg areas indicated between 16 millimetres and 32 millimetres of rain in some locations.
One video taken shortly after departing White Lady Lodge showed strong winds and a dark wall of rain approaching from the Uis side, with the videographer describing the moment as a powerful reminder of nature’s dominance.
According to the Namibia Meteorological Service, the interior of the country is expected to be sunny and very hot in the south, while elsewhere conditions will be partly cloudy and hot to very hot, with a few to isolated thundershowers in places over the north. Coastal areas are forecast to be partly cloudy and mild to warm, with moderate north-westerly winds and fresh to strong southerly to south-easterly winds in the south.
Authorities continue to urge the public to prioritise safety, especially when travelling near rivers or flood-prone roads, as the rainy season gains momentum.
The post Heavy rains ring in the New Year across Namibia appeared first on Informanté.
