Teaching and learning at the flood affected Onghala and Shingunguma combined schools in Ohangwena region abruptly ceased after senior education officials visited these schools. 

Onghala and Shingunguma are two of the six schools in the region that are thus affected by floods. 

Others are Undjombala, Ohaingu, Ndilokelwa and Onyofi. 

The numbers are, however, expected to constantly increase as the levels of water continue to rise. Heavy rains have also been received in the region since the end of last week.

Pupils as young as seven are risking their lives, crossing flooded pans. Such an undertaking can be risky due to dangerous animals such as snakes and other creatures that come with efundja. 

Despite the dangers posed by serious floods in the flooded areas, school-going children and their teachers at three other schools that are equally affected are still in limbo.  

By yesterday afternoon, the education director of Ohangwena, Isak Hamatwi confirmed the closure of the two schools. Hamatwi who was in the field visiting the affected schools said they are closely monitoring the situation.

According to Engela councillor Elkan Hainghumbi, access roads to the schools in his constituency were cut off overnight. 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform’s senior hydrologist for the Cuvelai-Etosha basin, Leonard Hango, called on the Roads Authority to arrest the situation as soon as possible, before it becomes worse.

“Let’s act now, this is a beginning, meaning worse is still to come. The water is running fast. It’s raining heavily in Angola,” he said.

Hango further said the situation at schools that are cut off by the flood needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

The schools are not yet closed. 

Ohangwena governor Walde Ndevashiya said his office has been monitoring the situation on the ground so that those who are affected can get assistance.

More than 80 houses are surrounded by flood water.

Meanwhile, Shilongo Natanael, a farmer from Engela constituency said he has fear the flood might destroy their crop fields. 

This could mean villagers in those affected areas will eventually have a poor harvest. 

A flash flood from the Cuvelai catchment is flowing towards the Namibia-Angola borders from the direction of Ondjiva and Namakunde.

Currently, the flood is moving from Oshitambi in Ohangwena. After two to three days, the flood is expected to arrive in Oshakati, according to Hango.

(Cut off)

Caption: Cut off… Access to four schools in Ohangwena was cut off by flood.

Photo: Victoria Kaapanda 

vkaapanda@nepc.com.na