Two street kids drown as Windhoek counts losses

Two homeless children drowned and major damage was caused on Wednesday afternoon when sudden heavy rain descended on Windhoek, causing flooding throughout several parts of the capital.A group of street kids were swept away in a river, one of the city’s largest malls was flooded, housing complexes and businesses suffered damage and cars were washed away.Some suburbs in Windhoek recorded more than 100mm within a few hours, while hail and sandstorms caused havoc on the city’s streets.According to reports from rescue officials, a group of several street kids were swept away by a river yesterday when it came down. They were allegedly living in a riverbed in the Southern Industrial Area when the flash flood hit.They climbed onto rocks to escape the rushing water, but fell into the river, officials said.Five children were rescued and taken to hospital, while the bodies of two others were found yesterday afternoon near the Goreangab Dam by members of the Namibian Police and City of Windhoek’s emergency services.By yesterday afternoon, the rest of the group seemed to be accounted for.Meanwhile, the lower section of the Wernhil shopping centre in the central business district was flooded, leaving shoppers struggling to get out.Not only were businesses under water, but so were vehicles in the parking area and at the taxi rank.The mall’s lower floor was closed to the public, but reopened late yesterday afternoon.Plan for the worstPresident of the Namibian Society of Engineers, Charles Mukwaso said damage in these situations could have been avoided if engineers planned for the worst-case scenario.He explained that on Wednesday, there were different factors at play such as flash floods, which do not happen every day.A similar incident occurred about two years ago, he said, where perhaps it would have only happened every 15 years.“Due to climate change, these incidents are becoming more regular and more severe and therefore, as engineers, they must do better to take all factors into account and not assume that it will not happen,” Mukwaso said.He, however, pointed out that taking worst-case scenarios into account comes with cost and time implications and sometimes a client will decline.“But as you can see, cheap is not always better. My advice to clients and engineers is to do better and avoid the consequences.”Full extent unknownOhlthaver & List spokesperson and group manager for corporate relations Roux-Ché Locke explained that just behind Wernhil, there is a canal through which the bulk of the CBD’s storm water is channelled. It is believed the flooding was caused when the storm-water system could not handle the pressure of the waterflow.“At this stage, it is not possible to give accurate, verified figures in relation to the full extent of the infrastructure damage.”This damage can only be determined after a “full assessment and verification”, she said, adding that a comprehensive statement will be issued in due time.The sudden rainstorm also caused serious damage to housing complexes in Rocky Crest and Avis as well as houses in the Klein Windhoek area and shacks in Otjomuise.Flooding was reported in the area behind the Otjomuise Police Station, while a municipal bus got stuck in a river in Marconi Street - with the driver trapped inside.Silver liningAccording to reports on Reen in Namibia, 115mm was measured in Klein Windhoek, Hochland Park recorded 65mm, Suiderhof 75mm, Avis 90mm, Ludwigsdorf 90mm, Eros 60mm and Kapps Farm 70mm.The Namibia Meteorological Services warned that disruptive, heavy rainfall is expected in the Kavango West, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions today, and urged residents to take necessary precautions.The rain brought one silver lining: By yesterday, the Avis Dam was nearing its maximum capacity, while the Von Bach Dam’s level increased from 32.9% to 34.1%.

Two street kids drown as Windhoek counts losses

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-30

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Two street kids drown as Windhoek counts losses

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-30

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