Fears rise in north as rivers swell

RIVERS in the north of Namibia continue to rise as a result of heavy rains in Angola.

Yesterday the Kavango River at Rundu measured seven metres in depth – the highest NamWater has recorded since 2000. “If the river goes to 7,5 metres, then it’s a problem,” said Sackaria Bartholomeus, NamWater’s Water Works Officer at Rundu.Mahangu fields along the river are reported to be waterlogged and a section of the popular Rundu beach has also been flooded.Bartholomeus predicted that the water could reach the outskirts of the Sauyema township if the river swelled much more.The Windhoek Meteorological Office said there was a 60 per cent chance of thunder showers across northern Namibia and into neighbouring countries until at least the end of the week.Rundu received about 55,6 mm of rain at the weekend.Lodges on the river bank say the water has, however, not yet encroached onto their property.Although slower than last week, the Zambezi River in the Caprivi Region also continues to rise because of heavy rains in Angola.Yesterday the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development said the river now stood at 1,08 m – 7 cm short of its level at the same time last year.Last week the river rose by two centimetres in as many days, flooding maize fields at Schuckmannsburg and Malindi.Rainfall at Katima Mulilo has been fairly light and sporadic this month with only about 5 mm of rain received at the weekend.However, areas east of the regional capital have recorded more.At least 115 mm of rain has been measured so far this month at Kalizo Lodge about 40 km east of Katima Mulilo.Heavy showers in Angola have also caused a rapid increase in the water flow in the Kunene River.NamPower has warned that it might have to release water from the diversion weir at the Ruacana Hydro Power Station today if the water flow increases.This could lead to flooding west of the station.The river’s water flow measured about 700 cubic metres per second on Monday, and it is anticipated that it could reach as much as 900 cubic metres per second.The power utility has cautioned against crossing the river or practising water sports in the event of the water being released.The falls are reportedly flowing and the scour gates which allow water to pass through under normal circumstances are fully open said the company’s Corporate Communications Department yesterday.”If the river goes to 7,5 metres, then it’s a problem,” said Sackaria Bartholomeus, NamWater’s Water Works Officer at Rundu. Mahangu fields along the river are reported to be waterlogged and a section of the popular Rundu beach has also been flooded. Bartholomeus predicted that the water could reach the outskirts of the Sauyema township if the river swelled much more. The Windhoek Meteorological Office said there was a 60 per cent chance of thunder showers across northern Namibia and into neighbouring countries until at least the end of the week. Rundu received about 55,6 mm of rain at the weekend. Lodges on the river bank say the water has, however, not yet encroached onto their property. Although slower than last week, the Zambezi River in the Caprivi Region also continues to rise because of heavy rains in Angola. Yesterday the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development said the river now stood at 1,08 m – 7 cm short of its level at the same time last year. Last week the river rose by two centimetres in as many days, flooding maize fields at Schuckmannsburg and Malindi. Rainfall at Katima Mulilo has been fairly light and sporadic this month with only about 5 mm of rain received at the weekend. However, areas east of the regional capital have recorded more. At least 115 mm of rain has been measured so far this month at Kalizo Lodge about 40 km east of Katima Mulilo. Heavy showers in Angola have also caused a rapid increase in the water flow in the Kunene River. NamPower has warned that it might have to release water from the diversion weir at the Ruacana Hydro Power Station today if the water flow increases. This could lead to flooding west of the station. The river’s water flow measured about 700 cubic metres per second on Monday, and it is anticipated that it could reach as much as 900 cubic metres per second. The power utility has cautioned against crossing the river or practising water sports in the event of the water being released. The falls are reportedly flowing and the scour gates which allow water to pass through under normal circumstances are fully open said the company’s Corporate Communications Department yesterday.