The Directorate of Education, Arts, and Culture in Ohangwena Region has suspended teaching at the Onghala and Shingunguma Primary Schools as the flood waters are reportedly rising in the area.

A total of six schools have been affected by the floods.

These are Ndilokelwa, Shingunguma, Ohaingu, Onghala, and Onyofi Combined Schools, as well as Uudjombala Senior Secondary School.

Ohangwena Education Director Isack Hamatwi says the decision was taken in collaboration with the learner's parents in order for them to avoid walking long distances to and from school in the flooded oshanas.

Hamatwi says the Directorate of Education could not opt for learners to be housed in temporary shelters at the school due to financial constraints.

According to Leonard Hango, Senior Hydrologist for the Cuvelai-Etosha basin, the flood in the main Cuvelai channel, Shanalumono, is now advancing towards Endola settlement, and residents there are urged to take precautionary measures in the area, especially in the mornings when children go to school.

Hango says the water flow increases at night as the soil becomes cooler and there is less evaporation.

Meanwhile, the Ohangwena disaster risk management committee will only be meeting tomorrow to chart the way forward.

So far, only a few homes are said to be surrounded by water.

Health personnel from Engela District Hospital have been dispatched to various villages in the Ohangwena region to distribute water purification tablets and oral rehydration salts to flood-affected villagers.

The team will also use the opportunity to educate the public about waterborne diseases that might be carried by the current flood.