ARMY PROVIDES RELIEF IN FLOOD-HIT AREAS

ARMY PROVIDES RELIEF IN FLOOD-HIT AREAS: The Namibian Defence Force is conducting humanitarian operations to support communities severely affected by flooding in the Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati and Kunene regions. These efforts include the delivery of essential services such as healthcare, relocation assistance and both flood and drought relief in the hardest-hit areas.

The commander of the operations, wing commander Eliaser Ambambi, said that providing assistance and support to civil authorities and communities is a secondary role of the Namibian army.

He described the current efforts as a clear reflection of the NDF fulfilling its mandate. “Airlifting health professionals, assisting councillors in distributing food aid and relocating flood victims to higher ground are all part of our mandate,” he said. “Most of the areas where we are operating are cut off by floodwaters, making normal routes inaccessible. Therefore, the duration of the operation depends on the water levels,” he added.

Communities receiving assistance expressed their appreciation for the NDF’s efforts, noting that their livelihoods could have been severely impacted without such intervention. The residents also highlighted the importance of the availability of healthcare services in flood-prone areas where the risk of waterborne diseases is high.

The NDF has deployed helicopters, vehicles and personnel in this humanitarian relief operation.

PHOTOS: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE