‘We don’t even know where to start’

Residents of Okahandja Park informal settlement in Windhoek are counting their losses after heavy rains on Saturday flooded their shacks, washing away their belongings and leaving families stranded.

They say water rapidly filled their homes in the early hours of the morning.

“I almost lost my child,” says Sunday Johannes (30), who lives near a river bank with his family.

He says the flooding started shortly after midnight when light rain turned into a heavy downpour.

“It was around 01h00 when the rain became too much. When I woke up, my house, my sister’s house, and my uncle’s house were full of water,” he says.

Johannes says his son (14), who usually sleeps on the floor, was at risk as the water level inside the shack rose fast.

“If the door was locked and we didn’t wake up, the water would have covered him,” he says.

Johannes shares his shack with his girlfriend and son, while neighbouring shacks house extended family members, including babies as young as three months old.

He says at least seven children across the three households were affected by Saturday’s heavy rains.

Residents spent the night trying to scoop water out of their homes, but say their efforts proved futile as floodwaters kept pouring in.

“We didn’t sleep. From 01h00 until morning we were just awake, trying to save what we could,” Johannes says.

He says essential household items, including beds, blankets, food, schoolbooks and appliances were damaged.

“Everything got wet. The fridge, the beds, blankets, even the children’s books. Some things were washed away,” he says.

‘RECURRING PROBLEM’

The affected families say flooding is a recurring problem due to their proximity to a riverbed, but describe Saturday’s rainfall as unusually intense.

“Every time it rains heavily, water comes into our houses, but this time it was very bad,” Johannes says.

Another resident, Elizabeth Nzimbu (27), says the situation worsened as the night progressed.

“The rain started around 01h00, but the water started entering the houses at around 03h00,” she says.

Nzimbu says the water level reached knee height inside their shack, covering nearly everything.

“All the children’s schoolbooks are wet beyond repair. Our clothes, cupboards, groceries, the television, everything is wet,” she says.

She says even their bedding and flooring were affected.

“We don’t even know where to start right now,” Nzimbu says.

Residents are appealing for help, especially with safer accommodation.

“We are renting these shacks, but the place is not safe, especially for the children. If it rains again, the same thing could happen,” Nzimbu says.

MORE TO COME

Meanwhile, weather forecasts indicate that rainfall is expected to continue across large parts of the country.

According to weather data compiled using Meteologix Icon model charts, widespread rainfall is expected this week in most regions, including the Khomas region, although the Namib Desert stretch between Walvis Bay and the Orange River, as well as parts of the Omaheke region, may remain dry.

The data shows that light rain is expected in central regions, with moisture likely to persist into the weekend, raising concerns among vulnerable communities already affected by flooding.

Tobias Hainyeko councillor Christopher Likuwa says the council is in the process of helping residents.

He says all those impacted should be listed in a WhatsApp group coordinated by community leaders.

“Those who are already listed must submit their names at the office tomorrow,” he says.

Likuwa says disaster management programmes are in place for residents, including those eligible for relocation.

He says teams will visit the affected homes to assess whether occupants qualify for temporary or permanent relocation, depending on the extent of the flood damage.

“Some residents may only require temporary assistance, because the heavy rains may not have caused lasting damage,” he says.

Likuwa says each case will be evaluated individually to determine the appropriate support.

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