The Namibia Disaster Relief Fund is aimed at strengthening Government efforts, through the Office of the Prime Minister, to mobilise sufficient financial resources in support of about 60 000 people affected by floods in the North.

Many of them have found shelter at temporary centres in Oshakati and Ongwediva, living in tents made available by the Namibia Defence Force and the Namibian Red Cross Society.

The seasonal efundja flood is a regular occurrence, but is exceptionally strong this year because of heavy rains in southern Angola.

It has washed away homesteads and mahangu fields and killed livestock.

Deputy Prime Minister Libertina Amathila, who is the patron of the Relief Fund, says although there is an immediate need for items such as food and blankets, long-term relief should also be planned.

This should be in the form of relocating homesteads built in oshanas (floodplains) to higher ground, she said.

Amathila also warned against future disasters that could result from global warming, and the possibility of another Mariental flood, which could happen if the nearby Hardap Dam gets too full and has to release massive amounts of water.

Businesses and individuals throughout the country are invited to make financial contributions to the Relief Fund to help the flood victims and other victims of natural disasters.

Money can be deposited into the Fund's FNB bank account - account number: 62171495023, branch code: 281173.

Cell One has donated water purification tablets valued at N$150 000 and an SMS fundraising campaign.

The Namibian newspaper will run a weekly full-page advertisements listing the names and logos of individuals and businesses that have made donations greater than N$5 000.

Donations of less than N$5 000 will receive a mention.

The same principle will apply at Omulunga Radio, Kudu FM, Fresh FM and One Africa TV, which will cover and broadcast new developments concerning the flood.

The FNB Foundation will stage a Music Against Disaster (MAD) concert where local artists such as Gazza, Sunny Boy, The Dogg, Gal Level, Lady May, Tate Buti, Kavax, Stanley, Tequila, Matongo Family and many others are expected to perform.

The gate takings will be deposited into the Namibia Disaster Relief Fund.

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