RUACANA – A total of 109 households, comprising 362 families, have been relocated from Otjihitwa village to an open area at Etunda in Ruacana, Omusati region.
This is after severe flooding submerged their homes over the weekend.
Otjihitwa, located between Onesi and Ruacana constituencies, was heavily affected by rising water levels, forcing residents to seek refuge on higher grounds.
Ruacana constituency councillor Andreas Shintama confirmed the relocation.
He stated that the situation became critical, as homes and crops were completely inundated.
“The crops are underwater and destroyed. Houses have been submerged, which is why we had to move people to safety,” Shintama stated.
In response to the crisis, the Ruacana constituency management committee has installed water tanks and engaged with the ministry of health to provide health education.
NamWater has been roped in to address water and sanitation needs, while the town council is assisting with other essential services.
Shintama noted that, for now, food security is not an immediate concern, as the affected residents had just received drought relief food, which they took along to the camp site.
He assured that all school-going children will continue attending classes, as they have not been relocated far from their schools.
Omusati regional governor Erginus Endjala visited the relocation site on Sunday to assess the situation.
“The residents have been provided with temporary shelter. The regional disaster risk management committee is holding discussions on how best to assist them with food,” he stated.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is also monitoring the situation.
OPM spokesperson Maxmus Halwoodi confirmed that they are in contact with the regional disaster management team.
“They have already provided immediate support to the affected residents. We urge community members not to attempt crossing flooded areas and report emergencies to the relevant authorities,” he cautioned.
Ruacana resident Soini Shikalepo expressed concerns over the impact of the unexpected heavy rains.
“We had just started working on our crops after a long dry spell. Now the rain has come with full force, destroying everything,” she lamented.
Despite the destruction, she remains hopeful that if the rains subside, a good harvest may still be possible.