Floods claim 16 lives in Namibia and displace thousands
At least 16 people have died in Namibia’s Oshana Region as of April 10, 2025, following weeks of heavy rainfall and widespread flooding across the northern parts of the country.
Supplies for flood victims being loaded in Namibia. Image credit: NDF
At least 16 people have died due to flooding in Namibia’s Oshana Region as of April 10. Oshana Regional Commander Commissioner Naftal Sakaria confirmed that the youngest fatality was a six-year-old child, and the oldest was 65 years old.
Heavy rainfall has affected the Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, and Zambezi regions in northern Namibia since March 1, causing flooding.
Swartbooi Drift, also known as Otjimuhaka, is the most affected village. Most residents live along the riverbanks. Relief assistance included 170 mattresses, 680 cans of tin fish, 10 200 mosquito nets, 1 200 water purification sachets, and 200 bags of maize meal. Most residents have been relocated to higher ground.
Three households were evacuated in the Engela Constituency, Ohangwena Region. Rural areas have been cut off from essential services, and schools have closed, affecting approximately 8 500 students.
More than 2 500 residents have been affected in the Epupa Constituency, one of the hardest-hit regions, with over 200 reports of property damage.
At least 400 people have been displaced in Omusati. Kihita Village, which has been submerged since last month due to heavy rainfall, is the only village in Omusati to be fully evacuated.
According to Regional Governor Erginus Endjala, the entire Kihita Village is underwater. All 68 households — a total of 364 people — were moved to a temporary camp on high ground near the Etunda Irrigation Scheme, leaving most belongings behind. Their crop fields are entirely submerged, leaving no expected harvest for this season.
Boats were used to reach communities cut off by flooding. A police helicopter was dispatched to areas in Ohangwena, Omusati, and Oshana to provide assistance.
Namibian Defence Force (NDF) spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu stated that the force has deployed two helicopters, along with pilots and ground crews, totaling nine personnel, to assist in flood relief operations.
Major roads, including Etanga – Opuwo and Onungurura – Otjimuhaka, have been closed due to flooding.
Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo has warned the public to avoid floodplains, especially at night. “When it’s dark, even a shallow stream can become dangerous. We strongly advise the public not to cross at night,” he said.
“Where people face challenges accessing medical facilities or other assistance, they should communicate with police or local authorities to request food or medical support,” Shikongo said.
The Kunene Regional Disaster Risk Management team, has been dispatched to assess the impact of the flooding in the affected regions.
According to Senior Hydrologist Leonard Hango, the Omusati constituencies experiencing the highest flows and most active streams include Ogongo, Anamulenge, Elim, and Outapi.
He stated that while the flood has stabilized at the border, the wave that entered the country last week continues to cause damage as it moves southward toward the Etosha Pan.
References:
1 Police warn public as floods death toll rises to 16 – The Namibian – April 9, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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