Heavy rainfall turns dry rivers into raging torrents

A happy start to the new year in Namibia: Large parts of the country have received heavy rainfall. Even in the south, up to 70 mm fell in some places (see Informanté report). It even rained in the Namib desert. Many riviers (dry rivers) turned into raging torrents for hours.

Floodwaters from the Tsauchab River reached the Sossusvlei. Visitors had to stop on the approach road (see video on the Informanté website). About halfway along the 60-kilometre tarred road, you have to cross the Tsauchab on a cemented ford.

The Fish River provided the Hardap Dam with a massive inflow. The second largest reservoir in Namibia was practically empty in October. Its water is needed to irrigate the surrounding agricultural land.

Other reservoirs also received inflows. Windhoek and other towns in the centre of Namibia had introduced strict water conservation measures six months ago.

Rain is not just a blessing

However, the heavy rain also led to critical situations. North of Windhoek, guests at a campsite on the banks of a usually dry riverbed were surprised by a flood wave. Some campers were unable to drive their vehicles to higher ground in time.

Near Düsternbrook, a four-wheel drive vehicle with a group of travellers got stuck while driving through a river. According to a media release of the tour operator, all guests were brought safely out of the vehicle to the riverbank. Their luggage was not mentioned.

When vehicles from the lodge tried to pull the four-wheel drive bus out, another flood wave pushed it away. Fortunately, the driver was able to climb out of the window in time and made it to shore unharmed shortly afterwards.

The City of Windhoek had warned residents of flash floods over the weekend. Dozens of huts were flooded in the suburb of Katutura. In total, more than 280 residents had to be evacuated (see Informanté report).

Since mid-December, the north and south of Namibia have repeatedly experienced heavy rainfall. The country had suffered from a severe drought.

Sven-Eric Stender