NDF helicopters deliver food to flood-hit Oshana region as schools and roads remain cut off

The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has sent two helicopters to the Oshana region to transport essential supplies to the flood-affected areas in the region.

Oshana governor Elia Irimari said this at a media briefing at Oshakati on Friday.

The governor said three schools in the region are currently closed due to floods, while another two are difficult to access.

“Grazing areas in the Uuvudhiya, Ompundja and Uukwiyuushona constituencies are completely cut off and farmers are using boats and NDF choppers to transport their commodities,” he said.

The helicopters transport items, especially food, to the grazing areas in the Okatjali, Ompundja and Uuvudhiya constituencies.

Irimari said two boats have been deployed at Uuvudhiya – one at Ompundja and another at Okatjali.

He said most of the mahangu fields in this area are affected by the heavy rains, while some are totally submerged.

According to the governor, the harvest in these regions will be affected.

He said six gravel roads in and near the Oshana region are affected and cut off.

These include the Okapaya-Ohalushu, Oshuuli-Onaanda-Omapopo and Onamutuku-Onkani roads.

Other affected areas are Uukwiyuushona and Oluno Correctional Services.