Senior hydrologist in the ministry of agriculture Leonard Hango confirmed that efundja has reached the Omusati region.

Efundja is water that runs alongside the Cuvelai streams from the Cuvelai River in Angola across northern Namibia. While efundja is appreciated by many because it brings water blessed with mainly catfish and kapenda, at its worst, it floods homes, businesses and damages roads as well as displaces people in these areas. 

Hango said the southern part of Angola received good rains, causing the Cuvelai River to flood.

By yesterday, efundja had already reached several constituencies in the Omusati region including Okalongo, Ogogo, Anamulenge and Outapi. A few roads in those areas are temporarily closed. 

 Meanwhile, the governor of the Omusati region Erginus Endjala said various villages are surrounded by water, and access roads are not accessible.

 “Mahangu fields are currently under water. Therefore, people are no longer able to cultivate,” he added.

 Endjala emphasised that livestock are suffering from hunger because the grass is also under water.

 So far, no house has been reported destroyed by the rain.

 On his part, Ogongo constituency councillor Daniel Iilende urged parents to take care of their children because the water is now everywhere.

 In addition, he urged inhabitants with fields which are not under water to start cultivating while it is early.

 Also speaking to New Era, Chief Meteorologist Odilo Kgobetsi said more rain is expected in the northern parts this month.  

“People should refrain from moving up and down when it rains because it is very dangerous,” he advised.

 - fhamalwa@nepc.com.na