17 killed by lightning in 2022
Freak storm causes extensive damage
The Namibia Meteorological Service highlighted climate and weather-related events that wreaked havoc on the country last year.
Ellanie Smit
WINDHOEK
While the majority of the country received good rainfall last year, climate and weather-related events resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people as well as livestock losses and damage to roads, infrastructure and property, with insurance claims expected to run into millions of dollars.
Moreover, at least 17 people were reportedly killed by lightning in northern Namibia.
Simon Dirkse, the chief of climate and data banks at the Namibia Meteorological Service, highlighted in report that there is a need for awareness and educational outreach programmes on lightning detection and warning services.
He said exceptional rains were experienced for the second consecutive year in the south-east of the country in 2022, while normal to above-average rainfall was observed elsewhere.
However, below-average rainfall was recorded in the north-western regions.
“Above-average annual rainfall was observed across southern regions, as well as in large parts of Khomas and Erongo, and over stretches of Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Oshikoto.”
Dirkse said the north-eastern sector and areas adjacent to the southern half of the Namib Desert mainly received average annual rainfall.
“But below-average annual rainfall was present across the north-west of the country, mostly affecting western Kunene, Omusati, southern Oshona and the Namib Desert.”
He added that due to the late onset of the rains, poor distribution and dry spells during the 2021/2022 rainfall season, Omusati experienced a poor harvest and crop failure in some places.
Havoc
Dirkse also highlighted some notable events and their impacts.
In June 2022, the southern regions of the country were hit by a cold front and its associated cut-off low pressure systems, causing almost five consecutive days of heavy rains and cold spells.
“Snow falls were reported over the southern parts of the western escarpment and in particular at Helmeringhausen on 21 June, while sub-zero temperatures spread to central regions as well.”
This system caused damage to roads and farm infrastructure and the deaths of small livestock due to sub-zero temperatures, strong winds and freezing rain.
Meanwhile, an estimated 40 hectares were affected by fall armyworm outbreaks in the Zambezi Region last year, while an outbreak of brown locusts - after exceptional good rains in the southern regions - destroyed grazing and caused two car accidents in which four people died.
On 14 December, a freak thunderstorm associated with strong winds, hail and lightning besieged Windhoek, where 85mm of precipitation was measured in less than an hour.
A number of trees were uprooted, buildings were damaged, vehicles were swept away, and at least four people were killed.
He recounted the floods in the central business district’s Wernhil, which also caused destruction to stock such as furniture, electric appliances, food products and clothing.
WINDHOEK
While the majority of the country received good rainfall last year, climate and weather-related events resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people as well as livestock losses and damage to roads, infrastructure and property, with insurance claims expected to run into millions of dollars.
Moreover, at least 17 people were reportedly killed by lightning in northern Namibia.
Simon Dirkse, the chief of climate and data banks at the Namibia Meteorological Service, highlighted in report that there is a need for awareness and educational outreach programmes on lightning detection and warning services.
He said exceptional rains were experienced for the second consecutive year in the south-east of the country in 2022, while normal to above-average rainfall was observed elsewhere.
However, below-average rainfall was recorded in the north-western regions.
“Above-average annual rainfall was observed across southern regions, as well as in large parts of Khomas and Erongo, and over stretches of Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Oshikoto.”
Dirkse said the north-eastern sector and areas adjacent to the southern half of the Namib Desert mainly received average annual rainfall.
“But below-average annual rainfall was present across the north-west of the country, mostly affecting western Kunene, Omusati, southern Oshona and the Namib Desert.”
He added that due to the late onset of the rains, poor distribution and dry spells during the 2021/2022 rainfall season, Omusati experienced a poor harvest and crop failure in some places.
Havoc
Dirkse also highlighted some notable events and their impacts.
In June 2022, the southern regions of the country were hit by a cold front and its associated cut-off low pressure systems, causing almost five consecutive days of heavy rains and cold spells.
“Snow falls were reported over the southern parts of the western escarpment and in particular at Helmeringhausen on 21 June, while sub-zero temperatures spread to central regions as well.”
This system caused damage to roads and farm infrastructure and the deaths of small livestock due to sub-zero temperatures, strong winds and freezing rain.
Meanwhile, an estimated 40 hectares were affected by fall armyworm outbreaks in the Zambezi Region last year, while an outbreak of brown locusts - after exceptional good rains in the southern regions - destroyed grazing and caused two car accidents in which four people died.
On 14 December, a freak thunderstorm associated with strong winds, hail and lightning besieged Windhoek, where 85mm of precipitation was measured in less than an hour.
A number of trees were uprooted, buildings were damaged, vehicles were swept away, and at least four people were killed.
He recounted the floods in the central business district’s Wernhil, which also caused destruction to stock such as furniture, electric appliances, food products and clothing.
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