Floodwater from Angola has caused flooding in the mahangu fields adjacent to the Kunene River following the opening of the flap gates at the Ruacana waterfall to alleviate pressure on the dams.
NamPower has advised residents living downstream of the Ruacana Power Station to evacuate low‑lying areas, relocate livestock to higher ground, and maintain a safe distance from the banks of the Kunene River, as water levels could rise unexpectedly.
Flooding along the Kunene River in the Epupa Constituency has displaced several households, damaging homes and crops as water levels rose sharply.
The Kunene Region has been severely affected by the massive inflow of water following heavy rains over the past few weeks, with residents in both urban and rural areas seriously affected.
NamPower has issued a warning to the public and tourists to avoid the Kunene River, stressing that no one should attempt to swim in it due to the high risk of drowning.
NamPower has issued a warning to communities along the Kunene River to be vigilant for potential flooding in the coming days.
The power utility reports that heavy rainfall in southern Angola has resulted in substantial volumes of water flowing towards Ruacana.
The Ruacana Waterfalls have attracted a number of visitors since Nampower opened two scour gates last week.
The opening of the gates was a result of significant rain received in the central and upper parts of the Kunene River catchment in Angola since the beginning of March.
Stock theft, illegal entry into the country, and robberies rank amongst the highest daily crimes committed along the Kunene River.
As a result, residents want a police station at Otjinungua Village in the Epupa Constituency to curtail criminal activities between Namibia and Angola.
