Flooding may worsen in Cuvelai catchment

While several of Namibia’s dams received inflows following the good showers over the past few days, the Hydrological Services of Namibia has warned that the current flooding might worsen if rain persists in the Cuvelai catchment.Meanwhile, the Namibia Metrological Services warned that moderate to heavy rainfall will persist in the north this week.According to the latest dam bulletin issued by NamWater on Monday, the Swakoppoort, Omatako, Friedenhau, Otjivero Silt and Oanob dams all received inflows.The total average level of Namibia’s dams at the beginning of this week stood at 70.8%, in comparison to last season’s 82.4%.FloodwaterIn its flood bulletin on Monday, the Hydrological Services said heavy rains received in the south-eastern part of Angola and north-eastern part of Namibia in the Cuvelai catchment during the first week of January resulted in flooding conditions in Ondjiva and the surrounding areas.Floodwater is currently in the vicinity of the Oipya village and headed towards Endola, it said.“According to the field team on the ground, the water is likely to reach Endola over the weekend. No flows have been observed in the western-flowing Cuvelai Iishanas and some of the eastern-flowing iishanas such as Engela.”It added that flooding was also reported in Tsumeb, as its Jordan River – located in the centre of the town - came down in flood.According to the seasonal forecast, this year will be a La Niña year, which means normal to above-normal rainfall is expected.“Therefore, communities that live in flood-prone areas are advised to be on alert for possible flooding events and emergencies.”Namibia’s flood-prone areas include the Cuvelai Delta, Kavango River and its banks, Zambezi River banks and floodplains, lower Kuiseb catchment, Hardap-Mariental, lower Orange River and Kunene River and its banks.

Flooding may worsen in Cuvelai catchment

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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Flooding may worsen in Cuvelai catchment

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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