14 Jan 2021 | 02:58 PM UTC
Namibia: Heavy rainfall forecast to continue in multiple regions through at least Jan. 15
Heavy rainfall forecast in multiple parts of Namibia through at least Jan. 15. Additional flooding possible. Transport disruptions likely.
Event
Heavy rains and thunderstorms continue to affect parts of Namibia as of Jan. 14, and further adverse weather is forecast. The state agency Namibia Meteorological Service has forecast widespread thundershowers through at least Jan. 15 in parts of the Kavango, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, and Hardap regions. Flash floods have caused damage in the capital, Windhoek, since Jan. 11 and elsewhere in central Namibia, including the Khomas Region, and in southern Namibia, particularly the Karas Region.
Flash flooding has occurred in several areas in Windhoek in recent days; dozens of families have been evacuated from the Otjomuise and surrounding areas in north-western Windhoek. Road closures due to flash floods have also been reported after the Gammams river broke its banks. Elsewhere, flood-related road damages have been reported in the Keetmanshoop area, the regional capital of Karas Region, after the Stampriet, Fish, Hom, and Vaalgras rivers have overflowed since Jan. 7. On Jan. 12, Namibia's railway operator, TransNamib, confirmed that it had suspended services due to track damage caused the heavy rainfall and flooding.
Hazardous Conditions
Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in parts of the country, especially the low-lying and coastal areas. Flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides cannot be discounted in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue additional mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services may occur where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable in parts of the Kavango, Karas, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, and Hardap regions in the coming days, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes impacted by floodwaters.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Health
Flooding may heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.
