North Namibia in flood

For the third consecutive year, president Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia has declared a state of emergency due to heavy rain and subsequent flooding mostly in the northern part of the country.

There has been heavy rainfall since January, causing water levels to rise in the Zambezi and Okavango rivers. Around 62 people are reported to have drowned and thousands more are displaced.

The government has authorised N$30 million in relief funds to assist residents and for crops and infrastructure that have been destroyed.

Local Namibian media are also reporting that a health crisis is looming as 22 clinics are flooded and surrounded by water.

To make matter worse, more flooding is still expected from Angola over the next two weeks.

The Namibia Tourism Board issued the following statement:

“We have not received any formal notifications from any of the stakeholders yet. However, the situation as it looks, is rather serious in the northern part of the country. There are roads that have been totally swept away, however the roads that we are aware of to date,‘do not’ include many of the tourist routes. There are some establishments in the north as well that are reported to be totally inaccessible but again, those are not among the ones that you find in our packages etc. “Overall, our historical and normal routes remain safe to travellers.” Following concerns about rising waters in far northern Namibia and north-eastern Namibia, the individual lodge statuses are as follows:

• Hakusembe River Lodge has reopened with two rooms and the floating chalet but water levels may rise at short notice. Please call to check in advance.

• Impalila Island Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal. The airstrip is closed, and guests are being transferred by boat from Kasane.

• Lianshulu Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal.

• Namushasha Country Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal. Follow the clearly marked detour signs.

• Ndhovu Safari Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal but due to swamping of the access road, guests will be transported from the parking lot to the lodge by boat. The campsite is closed.

• Ntwala Island Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal. The airstrip is closed, and guests are being transferred by boat from Kasane.

• Susuwe Island Lodge - the lodge is operating as normal.

4x4 off-road travel and activities that require 4x4 vehicles may be cancelled, depending on conditions. Guests should be advised to keep to the main highway and other well-travelled routes. Road conditions should be established on departure by asking at reception or by calling the destination ahead.

Please contact us for more details or if you would like to book an establishment: info@namibiareservations.com