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Recent rains not enough to trigger flash floods in north – hydrologist

NOT NOW … The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform says recent sporadic good rains in north-central Namibia are not likely to trigger flash floods from Angola into the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin. Photo: Absalom Shigwedha

Recent rains in northern and central Namibia are not enough to cause flash floods, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform’s chief hydrologist says.

Leonard Hango has assured the public that while the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin remains vulnerable to flooding, the current rainfall levels are insufficient to trigger significant flash floods from Angola.

He says Angola’s northern Cunene region did not receive heavy rainfall.

The basin covers approximately 129 000 km2 and is a unique seasonal wetland consisting of integrated waterways or floodplains (locally known as ishana), forming a temporary ecosystem.

“They are also still waiting for good rainfall, as we are. People should not panic. Floods only follow heavy rainfall events, which has not happened up to this point,” Hango says.

Once it hits the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin, floods (efundja) are both a blessing and a curse to people who live along the basin.

When the floodplains of the basin are filled with water, it provides locals fish, water for their livestock, thatching grass and reeds.

The floodplains also provide habitats for countless species of birds, reptiles and amphibians.

However, when flooding is severe, it results in homesteads being flooded, damage to crops, damaged roads, the disruption of services to rural communities, as well the displacement of people.

To combat water scarcity, especially during dry spells in the region, the Oshana Regional Council recently excavated 11 earth dams to store floodwater and rainwater.

New Era last week reported that the Namibian Meteorological Services has warned communities of potential flash floods in the northern regions.

It urged residents to stay vigilant and prepared as heavy rains are expected.

It was also reported that Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority senior leader Malakia Shoombe has urged residents to avoid crossing water at high tide and to walk in groups while holding hands.

He warned that community members, especially pensioners, should not cross water pans while intoxicated.

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