Thighuru said the river was rising fast and people in low-lying areas should not wait until the situation becomes critical.

The Governor also appealed to parents not to let their children go to the river alone, as there are crocodiles lurking in the water.

He warned lodge owners in the affected areas to be on the alert and take the necessary precautions against flooding.

NamWater official John Muremi said the level of the Okavango River had risen to 6,42 metres by Monday.

At the same time last year, the river level stood at 7,67 metres.

Many lodges were forced to close, as roads were impassable.

- Nampa

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