#JustIn: Flood warning for Orange, Zambezi Rivers

Communities living downstream from Blouputs along the lower reaches of the Orange River, as well as in the eastern floodplains of the Zambezi River, should be aware of the possibility of floods.

This follows after the Orange River reached a peak of 8.85 m on 28 February, but dropped again to 1.71 m yesterday. Dams that feed the river, such as South Africa's Vaal and Bloemhof dams, are currently holding more than 100% water.

At the same time, good rains have occurred in the Zambezi River's catchment area, with floodwater currently flowing into the far eastern floodplains of the river. However, the river's level is gradually decreasing at Katima Mulilo and was only about 4.9 m deep yesterday morning.

The daily flood bulletin issued on 14 March by Namibia's Hydrological Services warns that readiness plans should be put in place in the aforementioned areas and that communities in those areas should take the necessary precautions.

At the same time, water levels in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin are starting to decrease, while the Okavango River is currently measuring about 4.62 m deep at Rundu.