Floods have affected multiple communities in the Kunene Region, leaving thousands in need of urgent assistance.

Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharuka engaged stakeholders in the region to familiarise himself with the situation on the ground. 

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding across the Epupa Constituency and Opuwo Town, displacing families, damaging infrastructure, and threatening public health. 

Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharuka said his office will streamline the regional emergency task force. 

"An emergency can never be planned by a group this big. We will streamline it to the heads of OMAs and one or two support staff. In order for us, our communication between the OMAs in respect of things like these emergencies to be efficient for us to be able to arrive at an efficient plan in an efficient manner and report accordingly."

Opuwo Town Council confirmed one flood-related fatality, while 20 people have lost their homes, with at least 68 residents, including four Angolans, displaced. 

Epupa Constituency Councillor Tjimutambo Kuuoko says most community members living along the Kunene River have been relocated to higher grounds, but their crops have been damaged. 

"All those gardens or fields along the river are washed away; there is nothing left there, and even again, honourable governor, commissioner here and colleagues, all those lodges and campsites which are there are also affected by the water."

Immediate needs include food and mosquito nets due to stagnant water, which creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The most affected areas stretch from Otjamaugu to Ruacana, as well as Orutumba. 

The floods also pose a serious risk to schools along the Kunene River, as some schools, including Okondjombo, are unable to let learners go home due to safety concerns. 

The situation is worsened by the fact that there is no school feeding programme this year, leaving many learners without a reliable source of nutrition.

Some communities, such as the Omaromba community, are completely inaccessible by road, and emergency teams may require helicopters to deliver aid. 

There are also concerns about the outbreak of waterborne diseases, while there is also a pressing need for mobile toilets. 

The Ministry of Health has assured the public that it is ready to respond, with over 90,000 water purification tablets, 2,000 mosquito nets, and sufficient medication for malaria and cholera treatment. 

With heavy rains expected to continue, the number of flood victims is bound to increase. 

Meanwhile, officials warned beneficiaries to stop selling aid.