Unusual continuous rain: roads impassable, bridge broken

An exceptionally rare weather pattern is causing unusually heavy continuous rain in the centre and south as well as along the coast. The western and central parts of the country are currently under a broad band of cloud. According to meteorologists, the heavy rain is expected to continue for the next four or five days.

In Windhoek, even busy roads had to be closed in some places. Like Nelson Mandela Avenue in Klein Windhoek. It was impassable in two places due to the strong flow of the Klein Windhoek Rivier (dry river). Drivers had to take detours via roads with bridges.

It even rained for hours in the coastal towns of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Many streets were under water because there is no storm water drainage in the desert town.

According to photos and videos on social media, practically all the rivers running to the coast were in full flood. The water in Swakop is expected to reach the Atlantic Ocean these days. The day before yesterday, the tip of its tongue had already passed the bridge from which the Swakop estuary can be seen.

The Fish River was also flowing strongly, both above and below the Hardap reservoir near Mariental.

Motorway bridge broken south of Windhoek

The Roads Authority warned all motorists to exercise extreme caution. Especially on the gravel roads in the west, centre and south of Namibia, the heavy rain caused severe washouts.

Most of the passes from the high plateau down to the coastal plains of the Namib were also impassable due to washouts and slippery road conditions. Many Namibia holidaymakers were stranded at their lodges due to flowing rivers.

On the B1 motorway between Windhoek and Rehoboth, floods from a river caused a bridge to break. Photos and videos shared on social media showed deep cracks in the road surface.

The Road Authority have already commissioned a company to construct a temporary diversion route. Depending on weather conditions, it should be passable by tomorrow. As the main traffic artery between Namibia and South Africa, the B1 is essential for the supply of goods.

Information, photos and videos on the recent rainfall in Namibia can be found on the Facebook groups 'Reën In Namibia'  and 'Namibië Reën / Weer'.

Sven-Eric Stender