Flash floods leave over 1 000 displaced in Windhoek, Namibia
Heavy rainfall resulted in flash floods that swept away vehicles and inundated homes in Windhoek, Namibia, on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Over 1 000 residents were affected but no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
The City of Windhoek confirmed that heavy rains on the afternoon of January 4 caused flash floods and displaced more than 1 000 residents in the Otjomuise area.
The MG Division, located behind the Otjomuise Police Station, was among the hardest hit with makeshift homes destroyed by rising water levels.
Lydia Amutenya, the city’s spokesperson, said several houses were flooded in this area and discarded tires exacerbated the situation by obstructing the water flow.
“Among the affected are the areas behind the Otjomuise Police Station, where several houses were flooded. Thankfully, no fatality or injury has been reported,” Amutenya said.
Preliminary assessments revealed that blocked culverts along Eneas Peter Nanyemba Street which is currently under construction also contributed to the flooding of nearby homes. The city’s emergency management services worked around the clock to address the crisis.
“Assessments are ongoing to determine how best to assist affected residents,” Amutenya added.
Several vehicles were reported to be swept away by floodwaters but no injuries have been recorded. Residents have been urged to clear natural water channels of debris to prevent further flooding incidents.
Ivan Skrywer, Windhoek Councillor, announced plans to relocate affected residents to farm 508 in Goreangab on January 6, 2025. The site is managed by the Division of Human Settlement within the Department of Housing and Property Management and can accommodate up to 100 households.
“All households willing to relocate will be assisted immediately. Implementation will be swift, and we can start moving families today if they are ready,” Skrywer stated.
Over 1 000 people who lost their homes in the MG Division received food aid organized by the Office of the Prime Minister and the City of Windhoek. An emergency meeting with stakeholders expedited plans for voluntary relocation to ensure the safety of flood victims.
Authorities cordoned off roads as the water levels rose during an assessment visit to Goreangab. Skrywer appealed to residents to prioritize safety and urged them to relocate.
“I urge all our residents who are affected by the flash flood situation to please make themselves available to be relocated. It’s better than risking your life and those of your family,” he said.
References:
1 Windhoek ready to relocate flood victims to farm 508 – councillor Skrywer – the namibian – January 6, 2025
2 No fatality, injury in Windhoek flash floods – the namibian – January 4, 2025
Featured image: City of Windhoek
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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