Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia is expected to receive varying rainfall patterns, ranging from above-normal and normal to below-normal rainfall during the 2025/2026 rain season.
This is according to a seasonal forecast by the Namibia Meteorological Services (NMS), covering the period between October 2025 and March 2026.
The forecast was released in a statement issued by Secretary to the Cabinet Emilia Mkusa.
“Regions across the country should prepare for varying rainfall patterns that may bring both drought and flood risks,” reads the statement.
Regional councils have been urged to plan and prepare in line with the advisory, taking into consideration potential impacts of floods and droughts that could arise in different areas, says the statement.
The statement cautions that this season is often associated with strong winds and lightning, which may result in the loss of lives and damage to infrastructure, crops, and property.
“Regional and local authorities are urged to enhance preparedness and response measures to mitigate possible impacts. You are requested to ensure that this advisory is shared with all sectors, including local authorities within your region, and cascaded down to the community level,” reads the statement.
It further directs that Regional Disaster Risk Management Committees (RDRMCs) strengthen contingency planning to enhance overall preparedness for the 2025/2026 rainfall season.
The statement highlights that the 2024/25 rainfall season was the 13th wettest in the last 44 years, breaking the cycle of consecutive droughts in the country.
In the Kunene region, six successive seasons of below-average precipitation, some among the most severe droughts since 1981, were finally disrupted during the 2024/25 season.
However, the statement notes, the same season brought excessive rainfall in some parts of the country, leading to the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of people.
Severe flooding impacts were experienced in eight regions, Khomas, Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena, Kunene, Zambezi and Hardap, where about 9 184 people were affected.
In Otjomuise township in Windhoek, 282 households and 1,189 individuals were negatively affected by heavy rains in January 2025, while about 102 households had to be relocated.
A bridge connecting Rehoboth and Windhoek was damaged by heavy rainfall, leading to the temporary closure of the main road.
The construction of a bypass cost N$16.4 million.
Similarly, the bridge linking Osona Village and Okahandja to Windhoek was damaged by the heavy rains, with reconstruction estimated at N$28 million.
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