Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
COMMUNITIES living downstream of the Ruacana Power Station are advised to urgently evacuate low-lying areas, as the second flap floodgate of the Ruacana Power Station will be opened tonight, 17 April 2026, potentially causing flooding along the Kunene River.
The Kunene River already recorded a flow rate of 1,442.6 cubic metres per second (m3/s) on Thursday morning, 16 April 2026, and this flow rate is expected to rise further following the opening of the second flap gate at the Ruacana Power Station.
“NamPower wishes to inform residents and communities along the Kunene River that due to heavy rainfall in southern Angola, large volumes of water are flowing towards Ruacana. As a result, NamPower will be opening the second flap (flood) gate of the diversion weir at Ruacana Power Station this evening, Friday, 17 April 2026, which will increase the river flow to over 1,800 m3/s (1.8 million litres per second),” said NamPower’s spokesperson, Irene !Hoaes.
She revealed that one flap gate and two scour gates are currently open, releasing water at approximately 1,450 m3/s. The opening of the second flap gate, she warned, is expected to result in significant flooding downstream of the Ruacana Power Station.
“Residents in the area and river users downstream of the Ruacana Power Station are advised to urgently evacuate low-lying areas, move livestock and equipment to higher ground, and stay clear of the riverbanks, as the water levels may rise without warning. Lodges and campsites in the area are also advised to take note of the flood warning and make the necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of both their guests and staff. Residents and visitors are further urged to avoid the river’s edge and refrain from all activities near the water,” !Hoaes added.
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