More rainfall expected in northeastern Namibia

MORE rain showers are expected to fall along Namibia’s northeastern border with Angola and Zambia, according a forecast by the Namibia Meteorological Services.


The meteorological office on Saturday reported rainfall figures as high as 28,2 millimetres for Mpacha Airport near Katima Mulilo and 10,8 millimetres for Rundu in the Kavango Region. 
The Zambezi, Kwando and Kavango rivers continue rising, with the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo being the highest that it has ever been at this time of the year since 1987.
Figures sent to Nampa from the Hydrological Services of Namibia show that the Zambezi River in Katima Mulilo stands at 1,51metres. At this time last year, the river was 1,41 metres high and the normal level for this time of the year if 0,97 metres. However, no flooding is expected until the river rises above five metres.
The Kavango River at Rundu is currently standing at a level of 5.57 metres. 
“The rise in the Kavango River is normal for this time of the year in this season as a result of heavy rain showers from Angola,” said Guido van Langehove, the head of the Hydrological Services of Namibia.
He explained in a media statement issued at the weekend that the Kavango River is at a normal level, and fears of flooding will only be raised when the river rises to eight metres.
“The lodges along the river banks of Rundu are the most affected by the flooding of the Kavango River. For as long as it continues raining in Angola and Zambia, the rivers will rise,” he said. 
– Nampa

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