Slight decrease in dam levels
ALTHOUGH some isolated showers across the north central and good rains over the north eastern parts of Namibia have been recorded on Monday, the water levels in the key central dams, namely Swakoppoort, Von Bach and Omatako have decreased to 99.1 %, 85.16 %, and 98.6 % respectively.
The water level at Hardap Dam slipped 72.6 % on Monday, while Neckartal Dam remains full at 100.8%. Since January, dams in the southern part of the country received significant inflow due to heavy rains received over most parts of the Orange-Fish River Basin.
The flow was particularly observed in most of Namibia’s interior rivers, following relatively heavy rainfall activities over most parts of the country. Chief hydrologist in the water ministry Paulina Mufeti said the flow on the lower Orange River also decreased, while the flow at Blouputs was recorded at 2.360 metres on Monday. People along the lower Orange River are warned to be on the lookout for rising water levels and are advised to be on high alert for possible flood risk and take the necessary precautionary measures. She said the flow on the Kunene and Kavango rivers remain low during this time of the year.
The ministry had emphasised contingency planning for flood mitigation and recovery must be updated, upgraded and activated for all flood prone regions in anticipation of the forecasted heavy rainfall during this rainy season. Meanwhile, the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo continues to increase and recorded 6.072m on Monday and the level remains above normal. The Namibia Hydrological Services issued out a flood alert and readiness advised for the residents who live in the Kabbe South floodplains in the eastern Zambezi.