Flood watch issued as Kavango River surpasses 7-metre mark
Closing in on record 8 m level from 2011
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, which, if it becomes critical, will require the immediate activation of flood contingency steps.
Water levels in the Kavango River have been steadily rising over the past few weeks, prompting concern from government authorities and calls for community preparedness.
According to the agriculture and water ministry, the river at Rundu has seen a sharp increase from 6.32 metres on 1 April to 7.21 metres by 9 April.
On Sunday, 13 April, it had reached 7.68 metres before slightly dropping to 7.64 metres on Monday.
Experts say water levels are still extremely high despite the slight decline.
Pauline Mufeti, the deputy director of hydrology at the directorate of water resources management, warned that more water is still making its way downstream from Angola, where the river's headwaters have been experiencing significant rainfall.
“The rainy season is still not over, so the situation requires close monitoring and alertness, especially for communities living alongside the riverbank,” Mufeti said.
Contingency plans
Although the Kavango River's highest recorded level was over eight metres in 2011, Mufeti pointed out that the current level is approaching that figure.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. Once the situation becomes critical, authorities responsible for disaster response are expected to activate flood contingency plans,” she explained.
To support this, the ministry has deployed a network of near real-time hydrological monitoring stations and issues daily flood bulletins to warn at-risk communities.
Mufeti also emphasised the importance of long-term mitigation strategies such as educating communities about flood risks and mapping flood lines to prevent new settlements in vulnerable zones.
Cooperation
In terms of international coordination, Namibia is working through the Permanent Okavango River Basin Commission (OKACOM) with Angola and Botswana to share hydrological data and manage the river’s resources sustainably.
Mufeti stressed that joint data collection between Namibia and Angola is ongoing to monitor rising water levels and to guide responsive actions.
Meanwhile, Rundu Town Council spokesperson Benjamin Makayi admitted that the council had not yet received an official update from the ministry but confirmed that assessments are ongoing.
“Our people are busy compiling a report to see which areas are affected. Once we receive the full report, we will act accordingly,” Makayi said.
According to the agriculture and water ministry, the river at Rundu has seen a sharp increase from 6.32 metres on 1 April to 7.21 metres by 9 April.
On Sunday, 13 April, it had reached 7.68 metres before slightly dropping to 7.64 metres on Monday.
Experts say water levels are still extremely high despite the slight decline.
Pauline Mufeti, the deputy director of hydrology at the directorate of water resources management, warned that more water is still making its way downstream from Angola, where the river's headwaters have been experiencing significant rainfall.
“The rainy season is still not over, so the situation requires close monitoring and alertness, especially for communities living alongside the riverbank,” Mufeti said.
Contingency plans
Although the Kavango River's highest recorded level was over eight metres in 2011, Mufeti pointed out that the current level is approaching that figure.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. Once the situation becomes critical, authorities responsible for disaster response are expected to activate flood contingency plans,” she explained.
To support this, the ministry has deployed a network of near real-time hydrological monitoring stations and issues daily flood bulletins to warn at-risk communities.
Mufeti also emphasised the importance of long-term mitigation strategies such as educating communities about flood risks and mapping flood lines to prevent new settlements in vulnerable zones.
Cooperation
In terms of international coordination, Namibia is working through the Permanent Okavango River Basin Commission (OKACOM) with Angola and Botswana to share hydrological data and manage the river’s resources sustainably.
Mufeti stressed that joint data collection between Namibia and Angola is ongoing to monitor rising water levels and to guide responsive actions.
Meanwhile, Rundu Town Council spokesperson Benjamin Makayi admitted that the council had not yet received an official update from the ministry but confirmed that assessments are ongoing.
“Our people are busy compiling a report to see which areas are affected. Once we receive the full report, we will act accordingly,” Makayi said.
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