update (10 April 2014): According to a recent report in The Namibian (online edition, 08 April 2014), the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has accepted the name change from Lüderitzto !Nami#Nus, despite an ongoing dispute over the name of the southern harbour town.The ECN placed a government gazette notification in daily newspapers on 07 April 2014 in Namibia, in which they referred to !Nami#Nus instead of Lüderitz. The commission told the newspaper that it refers to the information it gathered from the gazetted information from the Fourth Delimitation Commission.
update (10 Sept 2013): The Lüderitz renaming saga continues - Namibia's president Hifikepunye Pohamba on Friday (06 Sept 2013) said that he had approved the recent renaming of Lüderitzto !Nami#Nus on recommendation of the Fourth Delimitation Commission.
update (29 Aug 2013): According to various media reports, Namibia's Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development Charles Namoloh is insisting that the town name of Lüderitz has been changed despite the comments made by Shangala.
update (26 Aug 2013): According to Hitradio, a German-Namibian radio station in Namibia, the name of Lüderitz will not be changed. The Chairman of the Law Reform and Development Commission, Mr. Shanghala, told the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA) that only the constituency (a subdivision of a Namibian region) will be renamed !Nami=Nüs. We'll keep you posted!
The President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba, yesterday revealed that the Caprivi Region will now be called Zambezi Region, while the Karas Region has been renamed to !Karas Region and that the Kavango Region will be divided into Kavango East and Kavango West. According to South Africa's newspaper Business Day (online edition), Schuckmannsburg in the Zambezi Region (!) was changed back to its original Lohonono and the coastal town of Lüderitz in the !Karas Region //Karas Region (!) is now called !Nami=Nüs, which means "embrace" in local Khoekhoegowab, a Khoisan language.
Namibia'sMinistry of Environment and Tourism (MET) announced that 78 of the country's estimated 20 000-strong elephant population have been illegally killed by poachers in 2012. Poaching almost exclusively took place Namibia's northern Caprivi Region due to its high elephant population. Most of illegal killings occured betwenn April and October 2012. The last poaching incident in Namibia was reported in November 2012 and no cases have been recorded so far this year. Only an estimated number of 10 elephants got poached in Namibia in 2011.
The access road to Ndhovu Safari Lodge, located on the banks of the Okavango River right next to the popular Mahango Game Reserve in the Caprivi, is currently flooded.
Guests arriving with smaller vehicles (2x4s) are asked to stop in the parking area where a car guard is stationed. From here they will be transported to the lodge by boat. Guests with 4X4s can use the road leading to Ngepi, and turn right just before the Ngepi gate. This road will take them to the Ndhovu Safari Lodge. (thx to tourbrief.com)
update (10 May 2011): The Kunene River Lodge has reopened, but the D3700 between the lodge and Ruacana s in a bad condition. Travellers should be advised to take the C43 from Opuwo to Epembe. From Epembe take the D3701 to the D3700 and Kunene River Lodge.
update II (09 May 2011): The road behind the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay does not exist anymore - except insofar as it can be called a car graveyard. It is not certain how many cars have been buried under the mud there since the Swakop River started flowing strongly over the Easter Weekend, but locals talk about three or four - two VW Golfs, a Mini; and there was even mention of a Land Cruiser.
update (09 May 2011): Conservative estimates point to floods disrupting the lives of between 100 000 and 200 000 people, but experts say the real numbers could be as high as 400 000.
update (06 May 2011): Road conditions: The C28 from Swakopmund to past the Swakop River is still closed.
The C34 between Swakopmund and Henties Bay is very wet and has potholes.Road repairs are being done.
The D1986 north of Walvis Bay (to the Salt Works) is now open to the general public.
The Tsauchab is in flood > the road from the 2x4 parking to Sossusvlei is closed!
The C14 between Walvis and Solitaire is still slippery and wet.
The D1296 between Rietoog & Büllsport is in very bad condition.
The Remshogte Pass between Rehoboth and Solitaire is currently 4x4 only.
The D1275 and the Spreetshoogte Pass are currently closed.
The C19 between Solitaire and Sesriem: The Tsondab River is flowing intermittently. Please be careful and if in doubt take the detour.
The C13 between Helmeringhausen and Aus is slippery with some potholes.
The C13 between Rosh Pinah and Noordoewer is still CLOSED and is likely to stay closed for quite some time.
The D459, the road to Fish River Lodge and Vogelstrausskluft Lodge, is in a very bad condition.
The C39 between Twyfelfontein & Palmwag can be driven with a 2x4. There is a approx. 30km detour, to bypass a washed away road section. update (06 May 2011): Drizzle to light rain (update: it must have been pretty heavy rain. At least in certain areas) was reported in the south-eastern part of Namibia over the past two days. Aus village, known as the coldest place in the south, reported the highest rainfall figure of 30.0 mm. Rain was also reported at Keetmanshoop (7.8 mm), Karasburg (1.6 mm), Oranjemund (4.1), Lüderitz (1.9 mm) and Mariental (2.6 mm). Rain in Lüderitz flooded some houses in the Area Seven residential area. The high levels of rivers in northern Namibia are subsiding. Floods are expected in the Fish River downstream of Mariental, while the lower Kuiseb River was again strongly rising at the Gobabeb Hydrology weir at midday on 05 May 2011.
In cooperation with local authorities, UNICEF is distributing emergency supplies including three 10000 litre and ten 5000 litre water tanks, 150000 water purification sachets and 1000 basic family water kits in Northern Namibia.
According to Namibia's Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forests John Mutorwa, the country is staring at food shortages due to the heavy rains and floods received since January, mostly in the eastern and northern parts of the country.
update (05 May 2011): The flood in Northern Namibia will affect government’s efforts to ensure high vaccination coverage for children under the age of five years since they are at risk of missing their routine schedule of vaccinations.
Although malaria cases in the affected regions are currently below the 2010 level for the same period last year, the large stagnant pools of water will result in increased mosquito vectors. The floods have also caused a slight increase in watery diarrhoea cases in some regions compared to last year but far below epidemic levels.
Namibian expertes expect the rains to continue to June and that they therefore may see greater needs for emergency assistance. The World Health Organization remains vigilant and will continue to provide the necessary support to the Ministry of Health and Social Services and their partners to ensure that the flood-affected people have access to health services.
An alert warning the south of Namibia of heavy rains and flash floods was announced by the Namibia Meteorological Service. The flash floods are likely to occur in local rivers and are not expected to impact on the large border rivers.
update (04 May 2011): The World Health Organization has received nearly USD 251,000 ( N$1.7m) from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to respond to the health impact of Namibia's worst flooding in decades. The floods have affected more than 230,000 people and as many as 40 health clinics and 180 outreach health points were rendered inaccessible in the regions of Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati, and Caprivi. Consequently, many flood-affected people particularly in isolated communities have limited to no access to health care.
update (02 May 2011): UNICEF continues a robust relief operation in the North of Namibia, which has been affected by the heaviest rains and worst flooding in 120 years. In cooperation with local authorities, the agency is distributing emergency supplies to affected families.
With water levels subsiding, stagnating surface water from the floods poses a serious health risk to children and their families, with at least 300 suspected cases of malaria in one region alone and 3,000 cases of diarrhoea, as well as 51 suspected cases of measles, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Extensive damage to roads and other vital infrastructure has cut off many people from essential services. Figures from Ministry of Health show that 29 per cent of health facilities and 51 per cent of outreach centres in the most affected regions are not accessible.
update (28 April 2011): Residents of the small settlement of Ombujondjupa, close to Okakarara (south of Waterberg Plateau National Park, close to the C22/47), have adversely been affected by the torrential rains. A small earth dam, whose banks broke and overflowed this week, aggravated the situation of the inhabitants of this settlement with a constant outpour of water flooding homes. The village is completely under water - the houses, the vegetable gardens, firewood, the crops, the herdland.
Due to poor sanitation, most people use the bush. Hence with the flooding, the possibility of water-borne diseases cannot be ruled out.
update (26 April 2011): Currently an estimated 29 206 people are in relocation centres, 22 health clinics are under water and 263 schools have been closed, affecting at least 114 000 pupils across 6 regions.
The Office of Namibia's Prime Minister received donations worth millions of dollars from various companies and organisations on behalf of the National Emergency Disaster Fund. The donations will benefit people affected by floods in the northern regions of Namibia.
update (25 April 2011): The C28 between Swakopmund and past the Swakop River is currently closed.
The C34 between Swakopmund and Henties Bay is extremely wet and slippery.
The D1986 north of Walvis Bay annd the Salt Works is still open, but to operators only.
The C14 between Walvis Bay and Solitaire is very slippery and wet. Although the Kuiseb River is flowing it has not reached the level of the Kuiseb Pass bridge.
The D1206 between Rietoog & Büllsport is in a very bad condition.
The C24 (Remshoogte Pass) between Rehoboth & Solitaire is 4x4 only.
The D1275 (Spreetshoogte Pass) is still 4X4 only.
The C19 between Solitaire & Sesriem is wet and slippery. Drive slowly. The Tsondab River is flowing intermittently. Please be careful and if in doubt take the detour
update (21 April 2011): Although the rainy season is expected to continue until the end of this month, at least the worst is over as no heavy rains are likely to fall in the flooded regions of Namibia. Water flows are subsiding in the Kunene, Cuvelai, Upper Kavango (Rundu) and Kwando rivers. The final flood wave is expected to reach its peak in the lower Kavango (Andara), Zambezi and Chobe rivers in the coming days.
According to a hydrologist in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Leonard Hango, the reports by an international publication that flood water levels in northern Namibia are unlikely to recede for the next three to six months is not correct.
Currently, water levels at different stations were recorded as: Engela Bridge 1.43 m, Shanalumono 1.46 m, Shakambebe 0.56 m, Sky Bridge 1.33 m and Kandjengedi Bridge 1.20 m.
update (20 April 2011): The current rainy season in Namibia, which is only coming to a close at the end of April, has already been the wettest in almost 80 years in parts of central Namibia and in the central north of the country.
update II (19 April 2011): The Walvis Bay Municipality has announced that the water supply situation has been resolved and water is now available 24 hours a day.
update (19 April 2011): The registering of flood-damaged homesteads and mahangu fields started in all four of Namibia's north-central regions last week. Government has made available N$30 million for flood relief. This assistance will include those who lost crops and property in the flood.
The floods in northern Namibia have put the Ministry of Health’s annual National Immunisation Days (NID) campaign on hold.
The Namibia Cares Citizen's Emergency Flood Relief Campaign was launched in Windhoek to help people affected by the floods in the Oshana, Oshikoto, Caprivi, Kavango, Omusati, Ohangwena and Kunene regions. Under the banner of Namibia Cares, a group of people from all walks of life have come together as volunteers to mobilise support of those affected by the floods. Pls check www.namibiacares.com or phone the offices to obtain the banking details for a donation at (061) 2924309 or 2924444 ext 4309.
update (18 April 2011): An estimated 13 000 or more Caprivians are living in emergency camps after they were forced to flee their flooded homes. The number could rise to 20 000 as more people flee their homes and make their way towards tented flood shelters set up by Government and the Namibian Red Cross Society.
The Remshoogte Pass (C24) between Rehoboth & Solitaire is closed again. The D1268 from Mariental to Bagatelle in good condition again. The current water control measures in Walvis Bay will remain in force.
The Ai Aiba Lodge is open, but there are some road damages. The lodge can be reached from Swakopmund via the Spitzkoppe turnoff. A 4x4 is advisable when travelling from Omaruru via the D2315.
The Serra Cafema Camp is closed due to the high water levels of the Kunene River.
Although the Corona Guest Farm can only be reached in a 4x4, but has not experienced problems due to the rain and is operating as normal.
The Noasanabis Campsite is still open and there has been no water damage. The Dordabis/Leonardville road is in a bad condition.
The Hakusembe River Lodge is open and operating as normal, but guests and tour operators are advised to contact the lodge in advance for directions.
update (16 April 2011): No new heavy rains have been recorded over northern Namibia over the past few days, and flows in the regions of Oshana, Oshiko Omusati, Ohangwena are stabilizing and starting to subside. However, sustained high water tables over the past three years mean that it may take months for the floodwaters to subside completely.
The United Nations Country Team in Namibia urgently appeales for funds in order to support national efforts to assist people affected by floods.They are seeking at least $2.3 million to assist the people who have been displaced due to the flooding caused by heavy rainfall since January 2011
update (15 April 2011): Stubborn floodwaters in Namibia's north will stay up to six months. Flooding in the region has killed 65 people and displaced about 60,000 others. An estimated 228,500 people - about 11 percent of the population - have been affected by flooding. Incidents of diarrhoea had not increased substantially, but as the surface water became stagnant, waterborne diseases like cholera and malaria were likely to appear. In one region alone there had been 300 new cases of malaria.
update (14 April 2011): The Namibia Medical Society (NMS) has joined other donors by offering free medical services to flood victims in northern and northeastern Namibia.
NMS’s "Flood Relief Operation" starts tomorrow. NMS’s chairperson, Dr Bernard Haufiku, said the flood situation poses an increased risk for transmission of water-borne diseases like cholera and Hepatitis A. The floods also pose an increased risk for vector-borne diseases such as Malaria. Diseases such as colds, flues, pneumonia, ear infections and skin conditions also increase under such circumstances.
Haufiku also explained that areas that are in critical need of services have been identified and would be given priority by the doctors. These include the relocated camps in Oshakati and Ondangwa, Indira Gandhi Health Centre in Omusati region and Ondangwa and Ongwediva Health Centre amongst others. Anybody that wants to be part of the team is urged to contact the NMS at (061) 212413.
Regional emergency officials are battling with unruly behaviour at relocation camps in Northern Namibia as well as alcohol use by relocated people in the Oshana Region, even after water levels in more than two-thirds of the region have subsided. Nobody is allowed to sell or consume alcohol in the camps as it poses a serious risk to the safety of the inhabitants
The Meteorological Service has forecasted that there are late and high floods in northern Namibia, with rain fading away, flows stabilizing and subsiding again in the Cuvelai delta, with water levels seemingly reaching their final peak at Oshakati.
According to Leonard Hango, a hydrologist, water levels yesterday morning decreased to 1.33m (a drop of 4 cm) in Engela, while the Ruacana water levels stand at 6.40 metres, a drop of 6cm.
update (13 April 2011): The Flood Emergency Management Coordination Office (FEMCO) in Oshakati received maize meal and blankets worth N$20 000 from Goal Maize and Moola Mobile. The flood-affected regions will be contacted by FEMCO so that they can identify their immediate needs and the donations will be distributed according to the needs of the respective regions. Various other companies, organisations and individuals are also donating foodstuff and other basic commodities to flood victims in northern Namibia.
update (12 April 2011): The United States has sent disaster response and food security experts to the affected regions in Namibia to help assess the current situation, and is working closely with the Namibian Government to provide additional help if needed.
Russia has donated goods worth N$5.3 million to boost flood relief efforts in the northern regions of Namibia. The massive consignment arrived at Hosea Kutako International Airport already on Saturday.
Botswana donated three-truck loads of blankets, cooking oil, beans, samp and corn meat worth 450 000 pula.
Local businesses also showed their solidarity, with NovaNam donating 3 tonnes of fish products, cooking oil and blankets worth N$30 000. The Namibia Development Company (NDC) donated 18 000 tonnes of this year’s date harvest. Malaria cases in Northern Namibia stand at 411, of which 12 were reported in Oshana and 399 in Omusati. 42 health facilities are affected and 49 clinics are still not accessible. 34 cases of waterborne diseases were reported, 17 in Oshana and 17 in Ohangwena. 24 roads are not usable.
Kavango - Rundu 8.26 m (+3 cm) – highest was 8.38 m on March 17. Andara 2.69 m (+2 cm) – highest was 2.90 m on March 23.
Water levels at Rundu may again rise to or above 8.30 m in the coming days.
Caprivi - Water level at Katima Mulilo is expected to rise in the coming two weeks and is expected to pass the 7-metre mark. Saturday reading at Katima Mulilo was 6.69 m (+4 cm), at Kongola it was 3.44 m (no change) and at Ngoma Gate it was 4.23 m (+2 cm)
Kunene - Ruacana: 6.88 m (-32 cm). In Kunene, the waterfalls at Ruacana stood at 6.92 metre, while the lower Kuiseb River flows are slowly subsiding, NamWater said. Along the Omaruru River, NamWater informed residents that all water has been released from the Omdel Dam without any flooding risk for Henties Bay.
update (11 April 2011): Currently an estimated 29,206 people in northern Namibia are in relocation centres, 22 health clinics are under water and 263 schools have been closed, affecting at least 114,000 learners across 6 regions (Oshana, Oshikoto, Caprivi, Kavango, Omusati and Ohangwena).
update (08 April 2011): Namibia is currently facing the heaviest rains in 120 years of recorded weather history. As a result the rain-caused floods have displaced about 30 000 people, inundated 22 health clinics and closed down 263 schools, with more than 114 000 schoolchildren affected.
The fast-rising Zambezi river, fed by copious rain over central and southeastern Angola, continues to threaten the flood-prone Caprivi Strip in Namibia's extreme east. State hydrologist Guido van Langehoven cautioned that yet another flood wave was to be expected. "It is not over yet," he warned.
Swakopmund/Walvis Bay: The road which gives access to the Sandwich Harbour route, Pelican Point, the Saltworks and Paaltjies has been reopened, but for operators only. Activities are resuming. Water control measures in Walvis Bay are still in force!
update (07 April 2011): Unconfirmed statistics from the Namibian Red Cross suggest 37,600 people have been displaced by the floodwater.
The Oshana Health Directorate has warned people in flood-hit areas in Namibia to be mindful of three waterborne diseases, namely cholera, malaria and polio, while medical teams have been dispatched to monitor and support affected areas. Cholera and polio cases from Namibe and Cuando Cubango provinces in Angola respectively were already reported. The two provinces are close to the Namibian border.
update (06 Aprl 2011): Seven regions in northern Namibia are now floodaffected: Kunene, Caprivi, Kavango, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshikoto and Oshana. However, information on the full extent of the humanitarian situation is still unclear. Using water levels as a proxy indicator, the situation could be comparable to the one in 2009, when flooding affected an estimated 350,000 people. For example, in 2009 the highest water level reached at Oshakati in Oshana Region was 1.30m, while on 28 March 2011, the water level had reached 1.54 m.
Flood conditions in northern Namibia are expected to be exacerbated by another flood wave coming from Angola, impacting mainly the western part of Ohangwena and Oshana. It is expected that the water levels in this region will rise again if new heavy rains occur. The forecast is for more rains in northern Namibia in the coming days, which would worsen the current flood situation further.
There are also concerns about malaria – 399 cases in Omusati already. There are also reported cases of cholera in Southern Angola on the border with Namibia, sparking fears of a spread.
Big kudos to tourbrief and Reliefweb (and, of course, all other online resources) for keeping us updated regarding the current rain/flood situation in Namibia! Thx!
update (22 March 2011): A flood in the Kuiseb River damaged some of the water supply infrastructure of Walvis Bay. The river is still flowing strongly, and Namwater repair teams are experiencing difficulties in repairing the damaged water supply infrastructure. Reservoir levels are dropping fast and the Municipality has no choice but to re-instate the following emergency water control measures until further notice:
Water supply shutdown 10h00 - 18h00
Re-open water supply 18h00 - 21h00
Water supply shutdown 21h00 - 06h00
During the water closure periods the following public water supply points along 5th Road in town, in Frankie Abrahams Street in Kuisebmond and in Kruis Street in Narraville will be opened.
update (17 March 2011): According to the latest information from the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), water levels in the upper Zambezi River are again increasing, meaning that high water levels will be maintained downstream at Katima Mulilo for weeks to come. The flows in the Cuvelai Oshanas in northern Namibia are further increasing in the Ohangwena and Oshana regions. The flood wave in the Okavango River is estimated to peak around 8.40 m at Rundu on 16 March 2011, which is around the same peak levels reached in 2009 and 2010. Flood readiness should be maintained. There have been no reports of flooding further downstream in northern Botswana. update (16 March 2011): The Spreetshoogte Pass (D1275) was damaged again over the weekend and is 4X4 only. C19 between Solitaire & Sesriem: The Tsondab River is flowing intermittently. Please be careful and if in doubt take the detour.
The C13 between Rosh Pinah and Noordoewer is CLOSED and is likley to stay closed till end of April.
Part of the C12 between Seeheim & Holoog is still CLOSED and is likley to remain closed till end of April. (ALTERNATIVE: take the B4 from Keetmanshoop and turn into the D545. The road bypasses the closed area and re-joins the C12.)
The C39 between Khorixas & Twyfelfontein can be driven again, but is wet in areas. Please drive slowly. Severe floods have reached dangerous levels and have affected vast areas of Epupa. Roads that go to Ruacana near the Swartbooi’s Drift, such as those to Okovahere Lodge (??) and villages such as Ondozu, Okombongo and Otjimbundu are currently cut off.
Concerns were expressed about the imminent outbreak of malaria and cholera.
update (14 March 2011): The road from the 2x4 parking area to Sossusvlei has dried out and the vlei can be reached by 4X4 as usual.
High resolution false-color satellite images of the flooding in Namibia & Angola acquired a year apart (March 2010 & March 2011). In 2011, wide areas of standing water occur in places that had been largely dry a year earlier. Deeper water—indicated by darker shades of blue—fills the multiple channels along the Angola-Namibia border in 2011, and the Cunene (or Kunene) River also appears flooded.
To all travellers out there still planning to visit Namibia's north, pls read "The hidden side of a flooded Caprivi", published on newera.com.na on 10 March 2011.
update (10 March 2011): Over the past two weeks, heavy rains over northern Namibia resulted in flooding, especially in the regions of Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshikoto, as well as in Oshana. According to the Namibia Hydrological Services, flood conditions will not improve in the coming days, as water levels upstream are still rising.
Water levels in the Okavango River are rising at Rundu in northern Namibia, and there are indications that a flood wave of above 8 m could be expected. Flood readiness should be maintained. There have been no reports of flooding further downstream in northern Botswana. Water levels of the upper Zambezi River is decreasing, having fallen from 6.39 m on 01 March 2011 to 6.31m on 08 March 2011. There are no indications that another flood wave is developing further upstream.
The Okavango River Basin
The road to the Hakusembe River Lodge, near Rundu, has been swamped. Guests should drive on the B10 approximately 4 km past the signpost to Mupini Health Centre. Turn right at the signpost. Guests should drive along the road until they arrive at a parking lot where there will be vehicles and boats. From here, they will be transported by boat to Hakusembe River Lodge.
Big kudos to Namibian tourism info source tourbrief (and other online resources) for keeping us updated regarding the current rain/flood situation in Namibia! Thx!
updates (08 Mar 2011): The Tsondab River is no longer flowing and the C19 between Solitaire & Sesriem is open again. updates (03 Mar 2011): Walvis Bay - NamWater has made significant progress in restoring the water supply inflow to 600m³/h. This positive development has enabled the Municipality to extend the water supply period up to 21:30 this evening. For the next few days the normal water supply will be opened from 06:00 to 21:30. It has been reported that water from Angola has reached the Northern regions of Namibia, causing floods of the same magnitude as the past several years.
updates (02 Mar 2011): Hakusembe River Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal; Impalila Island Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal; Lianshulu Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal; Namushasha Country Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal. Follow the clearly marked detour signs; Ndhovu Safari Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal, but is offering free seasonal boat transfers from the parking area to the lodge. The campsite is closed; Ntwala Island Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal Susuwe Island Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal
updates (01 Mar 2011): Storm-water drainage in Oshakati was unable to cope with heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, causing small local floods in a number of informal settlements.
The Angolan Department of Water Affairs at Ondjiva reported that much rain had been received in southern Angola.
A new flood wave in Kavango River has swamped Nkurenkuru west of Rundu. Water levels at Rundu are steadily rising and are expected to rise up rapidly in the coming days.
Nasa Satellite images showed heavy rains for the central Oshana, eastern Ohangwena, Central Caprivi and very heavy rains for the eastern Kavango Regions on Sunday.
The flow in the main Kuiseb River was down to 0.74 meters at Schlesien at Kuiseb Pass Bridge yesterday.
updates (28 Feb 2011): Walvis Bay - Water wil be re-opened between 18h00 and 21h30 this evening and from 06:00 to 11:30 tomorrow morning. During the water closure periods, businesses and residents can still obtain water from the water points along 5th road, at the Municipal Building and Mautamenene Fire Station in Kuisebmond and along Sam Nujoma Avenue near Kruis Street in Narraville.
The water problem could be worse tomorrow because of another flood.
updates (24 Feb 2011): Water levels at Katima Mulilo have increased to 6.14m as at 22 Feb 2011. This is the level (6m-7m) at which the higher ground to which communities moved earlier in the rainfall season starts becoming inundated.
The Cuvelai Basin, in particular the Oshakati area, should be on alert for possible flooding from the north in the coming week.
updates (22 Feb 2011): A new flood wave of more than 3.0 m arrived at the Kuiseb Pass Bridge on 16 February 2011. The Namibia Hydrological Services have teams in the area to monitor the situation and provide early warning to communities downstream.
As at 15 February 2011, the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo stood at 5.4 m and is rising as expected, having increased by 82 cm since 08 February 2011. The forecast is still that water levels will stabilize around 6 m in the next 7-10 days. Inundation of the Caprivi region usually starts when the Zambezi River reaches about 3.5 m to 4 m at Katima Mulilo. Such levels (3.5 m - 4 m) are an annual occurrence and communities living in these areas are used to this pattern and move to higher ground that is often isolated. Flooding of the higher ground can only occur when the levels exceed 6 m to 7 m, which could potentially lead to a humanitarian situation. [src.]
According to the Meteorological Services Division in the Ministry of Works and Transport there is a slightly more enhanced likelihood for above normal-to-normal rainfall in the regions of Caprivi, Kavango, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap and Khomas. For the Kunene, Erongo and Karas regions, normal to above-normal rainfall is still expected. Rivers: Flows in westerly direction towards Lake Liambezi are increasing at Ngoma Gate. Flows in the same direction are also passing the Bukalo Bridge in the Bukalo Channel, while water levels in the Kwando River at Kongola have remained stable. The flows in the Kavango River remain high. A flood has been reported at Shanalumono in the main channel of the Cuvelai system, but the flows must still reach Oshakati. There have been no reports or indications of flood development in the main Cuvelai River north of Ondjiva in Angola, but heavy rains that fell on Saturday may start a flood. The Kunene River is flowing high while flows in the Fish River are slowly subsiding. [src.]
Big kudos to Namibian tourism info source tourbrief (and other online resources) for keeping us updated regarding the current rain/flood situation in Namibia! Thx!
update (17 Feb 2011): The Auob Country Lodge campsite has been reopened (was closed since around 27 Jan 2011) and operations are back to normal.
update (14 Feb 2011): The road from the 2x4 parking area to Sossusvlei is currently closed. Visitors can however walk to the vlei.
The Remshoogte Pass (C24)is now open for 4x4 only. You can also take the MR47 between Rietoog and Nabaseb.
The Spreetshoogte Pass (D1275) is open for 4X4 only.
The Gaub Pass (C14) is open again. As parts of the road is slippery. The C14 between Solitaire and Maltahöhe is still wet and slippery.
A part of the C12 between Seeheim & Holoog is still closed. You can take the B4 from Keetmanshoop and turn into the D545 alternatively. The road bypasses the closed area and re-joins the C12. Water restrictions in Walvis Bay will remain in force. There will be shutdowns of water supplies; water will be available on the following days and at the following times:
Monday 14.02.2011 > 09:00 - 18:00 > 22h00 - 06h00
Tuesday 15.02.2011 > 09:00 - 18:00 > 22h00 - 06h00
Wednesday 16.02.2011 > 09:00 - 18:00 > 22h00 - 06h00
update (12 Feb 2011): The B3 tarred road between Ariamsvlei & Karasburg has been reopened following construction of a temporary gravel road detour around 12,8 km section of damaged road.
update (11 Feb 2011): Walvis Bay will experience low water pressure for the next couple of days due to damaged infrastructure in the Kuiseb River, which has affected the water supply from Swartbank and the A-area, where Walvis Bay gets most of its water. There will also be a complete shutdown of water supply between 10:00 and 18:00 on 11 Feb 2011. Water will be available between 18:00 and 22:00 on the evening of 11.02.2011 and supply will again be shut down between 22:00 (11.02.2011) and 06:00 on the morning of 12.02.2011.
Water points along Fifth Road will be made available immediately and will be open throughout the day. Travellers should ensure that they have enough bottled water for the night. If travellers are in Swakopmund, bottled water can also be obtained there.
update (08 Feb 2011): The Gaub Pass between Walvis Bay & Solitaire (C14) is currently closed. (Gaub River is running) Please take the C14 from Walvis Bay over the Kuiseb Pass and turn onto the C26 towards Windhoek. Drive over the Gamsberg Pass and turn right into the D1265. Then take the D1261 to Nauchas. If you have a 4x4 take the Spreetshoogte Pass, otherwise continue on the D1265 to the C24. Turn towards Windhoek into the C24 and take the MR47 to the C14. Take the C14 to Solitaire.
The D3700 between Ruacana & Kunene River Lodge has a lot of areas with deep water and although there are detours, these are in a very bad condition. A 4x4 with an experienced driver is required. It is advisable to drive toKunene River Lodge on the C43 from Opuwo.
The C13 between Helmeringhausen & Aus in a poor condition. A 4x4 is recommended.
The C13 between Rosh Pinah and Noordoewer is closed due to severe damage.
The C13 between Aus and Rosh Pinah is in very good condition.
Parts of the C39 between Khorixas & Twyfelfontein are in a bad condition. Please use the C35 south and turn onto the D2612 till you reach the Aba-Huab River. From here follow the road sign to the D3254 and to Twyfelfontein.
The D1206 between Rietoog & Büllsport is in a very bad condition. Please use the MR47 between Rietoog and Nabaseb instead.
The Remshoogte Pass (C24) between Rehoboth and Solitaire is closed. Alternatively use the MR47 between Rietoog and Büllsport instead.
also from today - News Update (pics!): Floods at Sossusvlei
Big kudos to Namibian tourism info source tourbrief (incl. other online resources) for keeping us updated regarding the current rain/flood situation in Namibia! Thx!
Namibian tourism info source tourbrief (and other online resources) has sent out some updates on the current rain/flood situation in Namibia over the recent days:
update (08 Feb 2011): Parts of the C39 between Khorixas & Twyfelfontein are in a bad condition. Please use the C35 south and turn onto the D2612 till you reach the Aba-Huab River. From here follow the road sign to the D3254 and to Twyfelfontein.
The D1206 between Rietoog & Büllsport is in a very bad condition. Please use the MR47 between Rietoog and Nabaseb instead.
The Remshoogte Pass (C24) between Rehoboth and Solitaire is closed. Alternatively use the MR47 between Rietoog and Büllsport instead.
also from today - News Update (pics!): Floods at Sossusvlei
update (07 Feb 2011): Traffic on the B1 road between Karasburg and Ariamsvlei was disrupted on Friday evening after heavy rains caused extensive damage. Railway lines in the area were also washed away, leaving a freight train on its way to Windhoek stranded in the veld. Telecommunication services were also cut off at Karasburg and Ariamsvlei after floodwater damaged a fibre-optic cable.
The Remshoogte Pass between Rehoboth and Solitaire (C24) is closed.
The Spreetshoogte Pass (D1275) is open for 4X4 only. C19 - Between Solitaire and Sesriem. The Tsondab River is flowing and travellers should please follow the signs for the detour.
The Gaub River is running and the Gaub Pass between Walvis Bay and Solitaire (C14) is currently closed.
Parts of the B3 tarred road between Ariamsvlei and Karasburg have been badly damaged by washaways. Travellers from South Africa are advised to enter Namibia via Botswana or Noordoewer. Detours are expected to be constructed on the B3 by 08.02.2011. Hakusembe River Lodgehas reopened after a brief closure as a precautionary measure following rising water levels in the Kavango River. Reservations are being accepted and guests are receiving warm welcomes. Hakusembe River Lodge also reports that the road is dry.
update (04 Feb 2011): The Fish River Lodge (nb. the only lodge perched directly on the rim of the Fish River Canyon) is reporting that the access road to the Lodge is in a reasonable condition. They are furthermore reporting that the D463 gravel road has been damaged by the rains, but is still drivable. Both the C13 along the Orange River and the C12 south of Seeheim (between Aus & Noordoewer)are currently closed. The access road to the Fish River Lodge is in a reasonable condition.
update (03 Feb 2011): The Namibian Water Authority opened the gates of the Hardap and Naute dams in southern Namibia (01 Feb 2011), adding to flows in Fish River, which feeds into the Orange River along the country’s border with South Africa. River levels in the north remained stable. Water levels at Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Strip have increased 4 meters last week to 4.33 meters this week on 1 February 2011, as compared to the normal level of 1.57 meters for this time of year.
update (02 Feb 2011): According to the Namibia Red Cross Society the Orange River has risen to 8.90m and is predicted to reach a maximum of 9m. More than 1000 people have been "relocated permanently" from 32 flood-prone villages in Caprivi, as Namibia’s most northerly province prepares to meet a Zambezi River swollen to near-record size for this time of year by torrential rains upstream.
update (29 Jan 2011): Road between Uis <> Khorixas - due to all the rain the roads not roadworthy for any Quantums, Kombis and any kind of bus. The Ugab river is running from side to side.
The Zebra River Lodge is reporting that the D854 is currently not easy to drice with a small car. Take care! C43 - the road is in pretty bad condition betweenOpuwo and Epupa Falls and between Sesfontein and Opuwo. Only drive this road with a 4x4.
Between Seeheim & Holoog - The Löwen River is in flood and part of the C12 can not be used. Please drive the B4 from Keetmanshoop and turn into the D545. The road bypasses the flooded area and re-joins the C12. C46 - The road has a lot of areas with deep water between Ruacana & Kunene River Lodge. Although there are detours these are in a very bad condition. A 4x4 with an experienced driver is required. It is advisable to drive to Kunene River Lodge from Opuwo.
