Africa-Press – Namibia. THE City of Windhoek (CoW) urged Windhoek residents and visitors to prepare for possible flash floods as heavy rainstorms and strong winds are expected during the next couple of weeks.
“Following the heavy rains in Windhoek on 14 December 2022, the recording measurements for that day were between 88mm and 110mm, resulting in flooding at several properties. The seasonal rainfall forecast points to normal to above-normal rainfall, thus the likelihood of heavy rainfall events followed by hailstorms and lightning, which can be destructive to infrastructure and humans,” CoW warned.
According to CoW, heavy rainstorms and strong winds are expected to persist for the next few weeks and, possibly, throughout the rainy season. This, CoW added, could result in power cuts, property damage and flooding. CoW also warned that some roads may become unsafe as a result of the anticipated heavy storms.
CoW therefore urged Windhoek residents and visitors to prepare for possible flooding and to take the necessary precautions.
“Communities particularly at risk are those living in informal settlements including Groot Aub. Most at risk would be residents in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam or river,” CoW said.
People living in low-lying areas are therefore advised to take special care during storms and the public is advised to refrain from erecting houses in riverbeds, hills or other unsafe places.
The public is also encouraged to avoid walking or swimming during a storm. Seeking refuge in a storm water tunnel is also not advised.
Road users are also encouraged to avoid driving during a storm. However, CoW added, if you find yourself in a car, avoid driving through flooded areas and take precaution on gravel and sandy roads. Road users are also cautioned against driving over a low-water bridge if the water is flowing strongly.
CoW also advised road users to abandon a vehicle if its stalls and to seek higher ground, emphasising that “deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles”.
CoW also advised residents to make sure that drainage systems are clean, adding that unclean drainage systems should be reported to the City’s Roads and Storm Water Division at 061 290 3777 or at [email protected].
The public is also advised to keep emergency numbers at hand.
In case of an emergency, the public is advised to contact Emergency Management 24 Hour Control Room at 061 211 1111.
File photo for illustrative purposes only.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
