Katima Mulilo floods displace over 200 residents

Over 200 Katima Mulilo residents have been affected by recent flooding, according to a disaster plan submitted by the Katima Mulilo Town Council to the urban and rural development ministry.

The report, addressed to executive director Wilhelmine Shivute, provides a detailed account of the human and infrastructural impact of seasonal floods and outlines both immediate relief measures and long-term strategies to prevent future disasters.

The council’s assessment shows that 209 people were affected, including women, children and the elderly.

Many residents experienced partial or total damage to their homes and were forced to seek temporary shelter with relatives or neighbours. Household items were lost, daily routines disrupted and some access roads were blocked due to flooding.

Meanwhile, the Zambezi River’s water level continues to rise.

It is currently at 6.75 metres, nearly three metres higher than the same time last year, putting low-lying areas at risk of further flooding and keeping residents and authorities on alert.

Helping where possible

Acting Katima CEO Albert Sibeya, who signed the disaster report submitted to the ministry, said council is prioritising support for affected households.

“Our priority is to identify affected households and mobilise support for emergency relief, including temporary shelter, food and clean water."

The disaster plan identifies several challenges, including inadequate and poorly maintained drainage infrastructure in low-lying areas, limited resources for immediate disaster response and increasing settlements in high-risk zones.

The report also warns of health risks associated with stagnant water and poor sanitation, which could particularly affect vulnerable citizens.

Flooded roads and blocked drainage channels have further delayed relief efforts.

Coordinated action needed

In its recommendations, council calls for the provision of emergency relief for affected residents, maintenance and improvement of stormwater drainage systems, community awareness campaigns on flood risks, and long-term planning to prevent settlements in flood-prone areas.

The report emphasises the need for coordinated action with regional and central government to reduce the impact of future flooding.

Sibeya told Namibian Sun last week that the council works closely with regional and national structures.

“As the Katima Mulilo Town Council, there is nothing we are doing on our own in disaster management without consulting our constituency office, which is part of the regional council. That is how we integrate our plan into the Zambezi disaster management regional plan,” he explained.

Sibeya added that council also reports to and receives support from the Office of the Prime Minister.

He stressed the need for long-term measures to reduce the impact of future flooding.

“This is not just a seasonal problem. We must improve drainage systems, raise community awareness and ensure settlements are planned carefully to prevent repeated displacement and loss,” Sibeya said.