ARANDIS – The devastating sandstorms, accompanied by strong winds, currently ravaging the coast, have claimed one life.
The coast has been grappling with heavy winds since Sunday, but the storms intensified on Monday evening, severely impairing visibility along coastal roads. Consequently, numerous motorists travelling between Karibib and Walvis Bay were caught off-guard yesterday.
“We were compelled to pull off the road as the intensity of the storm made it impossible to continue driving. It was an incredibly frightening experience and one of the worst sandstorms I have ever encountered. We are just glad we are alive,” said Rauna Kalola, who was travelling to Otjimbingwe yesterday.
This reporter also observed numerous cars, including trucks, parked alongside the road until the wind subsided.
Tragically, a driver died outside Arandis due to the lack of visibility brought about by the sandstorms.
Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi confirmed yesterday a single cab bakkie collided head-on with a truck.
The deceased was travelling from the direction of Usakos to the coast. The front part of his bakkie ended up under the truck and the jaws of life had to be used to retrieve his remains from the wreckage.
A damaged passenger shuttle and another bakkie could also be observed just metres away from the fatal accident.
Meanwhile, Shikwambi urged motorists across the country to exercise caution or postpone their travel plans if feasible.
“Strong winds are affecting many areas of Namibia, resulting in reduced or no visibility on national roads. I implore everyone to take these precautions to prevent accidents and collisions,” she appealed.