Warnings of possible flooding of Okavango and Chobe areas

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The National Disaster Management Officer (NDMO) has warned of possible flooding by the Okavango, Chobe and Zambezi rivers. According to information from the Department of Water Affairs, this year's water levels are slightly higher than last year's.

“As such, this is likely to cause flooding in certain areas. The public may recall that last year in March some residential and government structures were affected by floods,” the NDMO says in a statement.

“In this regard, we would like to caution members of the public residing adjacent to the 3 rivers of possible flooding in the Okavango and Chobe areas. The NDMO would also like to take this opportunity to advise members of the public that should they be requested to evacuate to higher and safer ground they should cooperate fully with the District authorities.” It is also advising people not to drink water from the rivers as this may not be safe. “We would also like to encourage parents staying in such areas to excise caution and not allow their children to play or go near flood waters. Parents should at all times be vigilant. “The public is also advised that should they require any assistance due to possible flooding in their areas, they should contact the local District Disaster Management Committee which is headed by the District Commissioner/Officer or Kgosi or the nearest Police station,” the statement added. The NDMO together with stakeholders such as district disaster management committees continues to monitor the situation closely.

Meanwhile, there are no reports of new floods moving down or developing in Angola, although there have been more good rains north of the border. The new flood in the Kavango River is however rising at Rundu while the Zambezi River continues subsiding at Katima Mulilo. On Good Friday, a new high flood was recorded at Chavuma, near the Angola border with Namibia and the United States space agency NASA indicated heavy rains in the area between Lukulu and Katima Mulilo.

Source: Ngami Times