Govt dispatches hydrologists, soldiers to north
Following the influx of floodwater from Angola reaching Namibian villages by Friday, the agriculture and defence ministries are ready to dispatch teams of hydrologists and soldiers to the affected areas to monitor the situation.
This comes after flash floods came into Namibi a from Ondjiva and Namacunde in Angola’s Cunene area.
The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) expressed its readiness to assist in relocating affected communities to high grounds and providing them with temporary shelter, such as tents, if the need arises.
When natural disasters and other calamities like earthquakes, floods, veld fire and drought occur, the NDF is expected to assist the government and the people in providing relief to the affected communities by availing transport, contacting search and rescue, evacuating the victims and firefighting, amongst others.
NDF spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu yesterday said the force is always ready to assist the nation.
He confirmed members of the NDF are already on the ground, monitoring the situation.
Shilumbu guaranteed that if need be, the NDF is equally ready to deploy its trained navy personnel to assist in the evacuation of people if floods become uncontrollable.
“We need to save the lives of Namibians, especially during natural disasters. Our soldiers are well-trained and ready to assist,” he assured.
However, he cautioned those affected by floods to adhere to regional governors’ call for them to move to higher grounds before the situation becomes unmanageable.
“It is good if people are urged to move to higher grounds. They should not wait until they are totally cut off. It will be difficult to move in with trucks, and this will force us to airlift them. Such assistance requires a lot of resources and equipment.
“For example, jet fuel is very expensive. So, the ministry might source funds for this mission. So, it’s good if people move to higher grounds and not wait until things get out of hand,” Shilumbu suggested.
Thus far, floodwater has crossed the borders into Namibia in the early morning of Friday at Onghala village of Ongenga constituency in the Ohangwena region.
Agriculture executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata yesterday said the ministry has dispatched a team of additional
hydrologists to the affected areas to continue monitoring the situation and provide the necessary updates to the public.
According to the seasonal rainfall forecast, this year will be a La Nina year, which means that normal to above-normal rainfall is expected.
Currently, Nghitumwamata confirmed the floodwater is concentrated in the streams west of Oshikango in the areas of Engela, Eeshoke, Oimbadalunga, Onghala and Ohaingu villages.
“At present, the magnitude and speed of the current floodwaterdonotposesignificant emergency risk. Therefore, the public and communities in the affected areas should not panic but remain on alert and exercise caution. However, the flooding situation may change if substantial rainfall continues
to be received in the Cuvelai catchment, both in Angola and Namibia,” Nghitumwamata updated.
Governors in the northern regions have requested residents in flood-prone areas to start moving to higher grounds to avoid losing lives and properties, as more floods are expected.
Community members and school children in flood-prone areas are advised to take the necessary preventative measures and use alternative routes when crossing flooded areas.
The ministry expressed appreciation to the public and stakeholders, particularly the ministry of defence as well as the Ohangwena regional, local and traditional leadership for timely responsiveness and collaboration during this developing situation.