The Namibian authorities have been urged to activate the country’s national contingency plan which spells out how to deal with natural disasters such as flooding.
Contingency planning for flood mitigation and recovery should therefore be activated in all the flood-prone regions in anticipation of heavy rainfall forecast for the coming weeks.
Chief hydrologist in the ministry of water and agriculture Paulina Mufeti yesterday warned citizens to take precautionary measures in case of possible flooding. “Last year November, the forecast has been that the rainfall will be above normal average.
The rainy season ends in April, so whatever rain is going to come in the flood-prone areas flooding will be heavy. If people are not warned on time, they won’t have time to prepare. It is better to inform people all the time,” she said. The hydrological service warned on Monday flows have been reported in some western, central, and southern ephemeral rivers in the interior of the country due to heavy rains in their catchment areas.
The river flows in the southern part of the country have subsided. However, flows in the lower Orange River are expected to rise because of releases from the upstream dams in South Africa and additional flow from the Fish River as a result of rainfall development and dam releases.
Flooding in southern Namibia over the last few weeks has caused extensive damage to infrastructure such as roads. Authorities have opened the flood gates of the Naute Dam near Keetmanshoop after levels jumped past capacity. Water users are urged to be on alert for possible flooding and take the necessary precautionary measures.
The Zambezi River continues with its gradual rise at Katima Mulilo and recorded 1.10 metres by Monday compared to 1.9 metres in 2020 the same period. This year, the floods have come earlier than normal, and are rising to levels higher compared to the same period last year. In an interview with New Era yesterday, Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu said the region started receiving rains in November 2020. “It is still pouring heavily in the region, except some areas such as Lusu in Sibbinda and Kapani in Linyanti constituencies which have received minimal rains. Farmers are ploughing due to good rains. We expect a bumper harvest this year if there won’t be challenges,” Sampofu noted. He said areas such as Nankuntwe and Muzii are not accessible by road. This he says means that seasonal floods came early this year. According to him, villagers use dugout canoes to cross dangerous water streams dominated by deadly animals such as crocodiles, snakes, and hippos.
Therefore, he warned people to be vigilant at all times when crossing floodwater. Sampofu appealed to parents and guardians to escort their children to and from school to avoid drowning incidences. With services, he said old aged people will not be affected as the regional leadership always provide pay points by using speed boats to access them during floods. Equally, he said, they also assist relocate farmers from their flooded fields to higher grounds. He indicated clinics and hospitals are still accessible.
According to Sampofu, the Kapelwa Kabajani ferry being the only public river transport is ready to assist those in need of basic services between Katima Mulilo, Impalila Island and Kasika.
The regional council has four-speed boats to be used by the education ministry to reach various affected schools. He said for the last three years, villagers refused to be relocated to higher grounds. In this regard, Sampofu confirmed the regional council cannot force people to leave their homes but are ready to relocate schools if they get flooded.
Since Muzii and Nankuntwe are flooded, he said relocation sites for schools have been identified and set up at Schuckmannsburg, while Mpukano Primary School will be relocated to Mbalasinte.
“The learners will be accommodated in tents. They have to ensure social distancing and adhere to all Covid-19 health protocols to avoid further transmission of the virus. The tents are enough to accommodate learners. They won’t be overcrowded,” he assured.
- anakale@nepc.com.na