Flash flood concerns rise as Zambezi River levels increase

THE level of the Zambezi River continues to rise significantly following heavy rainfall received in the past weeks.

As of Wednesday morning, data from the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) indicated that the river’s water level stood at 4.01 metres, a substantial increase compared to the 1.60 metres recorded on 1 March.
By last Wednesday, the water level stood at 2.40 metres.
During a normal peak season, the Zambezi River typically rises above five metres, a level NamWater waterworks assistant Nalisa Mapenzi says is crucial for the efficient operation of NamWater’s pump stations.
According to available data, the last time the river exceeded this threshold was in 2021, when by 3 March, it had reached 6.29 metres, causing flash floods.
The rising waters have already cut off road access to several schools in the flood-prone Kabbe South constituency, including Muzii, Namiyundu, and Nankutwe.
Luhonono village headman Matengu Simana on Wednesday said flash floods may soon impact his area.
“I can confirm that other parts of the constituency in the flood-prone areas are cut off by road for now. The cheapest mode of transport are canoes. Here at Luhonono, the water is still metres away at Museka-Kasize area, but soon it might be on our doorsteps,” he said.