Communities in flood-prone areas on high alert

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKThe hydrological service has warned that contingency planning for flood mitigation and recovery must be activated for flood-prone areas as more rain is forecast for the rainy season.“Communities are advised to be on high alert for possible flood risks and to take the necessary precautionary measures,” the service said in a statement.It added that dam operators are also advised to upscale flood control management for flood-risk mitigation and early warning to communities living downstream of dams.According to the hydrological service, alertness and close monitoring for possible high floods on the lower part of the Fish River and the Lower Orange River should remain in place as more rain is forecast in the coming days.Full damsNamWater yesterday said current spillage from the Neckartal Dam, at approximately 200 cubic metres per second together with releases from the Naute Dam at 300 cubic metres per second, will amount to a flow of about 500 cubic metres per second in the Fish River in the direction of Ai-Ais.Releases from the Naute Dam started again yesterday morning at 01:00 when the dam was 108.6% full and by 10:00, it was at 106.4% of its capacity, with releases still taking place.The Neckartal Dam was on Monday 102.1% full and was yesterday still overflowing, while the Hardap Dam stood at 71.2% of its capacity with no releases taking place.“The total content of the major water supply dams in the southern part of the country is relatively high and stood at 91.0% on 31 January,” the hydrological service said.River levelsIt further said the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo rose to a level of 1.84 metres by Wednesday, which is above its normal level of 1.66 m.The Okavango River at Rundu recorded 4.70 m on Wednesday morning. Water levels are higher compared to the same period last year when it stood at 4.21 m.The Kunene River flows stood at 59.7 cubic metres per second on Wednesday morning, and flow levels remain low during this time of the year compared to last year when it was 71 cubic metres per second.According to the hydrological service, tropical cyclone Batsirai is predicted to make landfall in Madagascar on Friday or Saturday and is projected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds across the SADC region, including Namibia.ellanie@namibiansun.com

Communities in flood-prone areas on high alert

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-03

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Communities in flood-prone areas on high alert

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-03

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