Kunene flood warning still on

A WARNING that the Kunene River west of Ruacana could flood if water from the weir of the Ruacana Hydro Power station is released remains in place.

After the rate of flow was measured at 700 cubic metres per second on Monday, NamPower said it may have to release water from the station if the flow increased to about 900 cubic metres per second. Yesterday, the company said the flow of water had stabilised at about 800 cubic metres per second and that it was not yet necessary to take this action.On Wednesday the water flow decreased from 781 cubic metres per second to 744 cubic metres per second in the late afternoon.Heavy rains in Angola, the Kunene River’s catchment area, are contributing to the rising river.The power utility has cautioned against crossing the river or practicing water sports in the event of the water being released.If a decision to release the water in the coming days is taken, a siren which can be heard up to four kilometres away will be sounded before the gates are opened.At present the scour gates which allow water to pass through under normal circumstances have been fully opened.The company says it does not anticipate that many people will be affected if the river floods, as the immediate vicinity is not densely populated.Yesterday, the company said the flow of water had stabilised at about 800 cubic metres per second and that it was not yet necessary to take this action. On Wednesday the water flow decreased from 781 cubic metres per second to 744 cubic metres per second in the late afternoon. Heavy rains in Angola, the Kunene River’s catchment area, are contributing to the rising river. The power utility has cautioned against crossing the river or practicing water sports in the event of the water being released. If a decision to release the water in the coming days is taken, a siren which can be heard up to four kilometres away will be sounded before the gates are opened. At present the scour gates which allow water to pass through under normal circumstances have been fully opened. The company says it does not anticipate that many people will be affected if the river floods, as the immediate vicinity is not densely populated.