Flood tragedy strikes family
A Windhoek mother drowned and her three-year-old son is also feared dead after their shack was swept away by a flash flood after heavy rain on Monday evening.
The tragic incident took place at the Abraham Iiyambo informal settlement on the outskirts of Hakahana in Windhoek.
Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi said the victims were identified as 32-year-old Saima Thomas and her son, Jason Lukas Shindinge.
The woman's body was found in a riverbed about two kilometres from where their shack had stood.
Thomas's husband managed to survive the ordeal, along with their three-day-old baby girl.
The couple and their two children were the only people living in the shack, according to Shikwambi.
“The man allegedly grabbed the baby and ran out of the room when the rainwater suddenly destroyed their dwelling, while the woman and the three-year-old boy were swept away by the water,” she said.
The boy's body had not been found by late yesterday afternoon.
The police and community members were continuing the search.
Caution
Shikwambi warned people to be cautious during the rainy season and not to swim in flooded rivers and ponds.
“We would like to send out a warning to all Namibians, young and old, drivers and visitors alike, to please be careful when approaching water. Avoid crossing rivers and water ponds at all times.
“If it is necessary for you to cross, first assess the level of the water before crossing. Likewise, we want to deter the nation from swimming in those flooded rivers and water ponds.
“We should not underestimate the force of the water because water is very powerful and the chances of survival are very slim. Let us be careful at all times and spare our lives and property.”
JEMIMA BEUKES
The tragic incident took place at the Abraham Iiyambo informal settlement on the outskirts of Hakahana in Windhoek.
Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi said the victims were identified as 32-year-old Saima Thomas and her son, Jason Lukas Shindinge.
The woman's body was found in a riverbed about two kilometres from where their shack had stood.
Thomas's husband managed to survive the ordeal, along with their three-day-old baby girl.
The couple and their two children were the only people living in the shack, according to Shikwambi.
“The man allegedly grabbed the baby and ran out of the room when the rainwater suddenly destroyed their dwelling, while the woman and the three-year-old boy were swept away by the water,” she said.
The boy's body had not been found by late yesterday afternoon.
The police and community members were continuing the search.
Caution
Shikwambi warned people to be cautious during the rainy season and not to swim in flooded rivers and ponds.
“We would like to send out a warning to all Namibians, young and old, drivers and visitors alike, to please be careful when approaching water. Avoid crossing rivers and water ponds at all times.
“If it is necessary for you to cross, first assess the level of the water before crossing. Likewise, we want to deter the nation from swimming in those flooded rivers and water ponds.
“We should not underestimate the force of the water because water is very powerful and the chances of survival are very slim. Let us be careful at all times and spare our lives and property.”
JEMIMA BEUKES
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