More than 15,000 face floods in Namibia

[senorpepr]

WINDHOEK (AFP) - More than 15,000 people were facing floods in north-eastern Namibia as water levels rose due to heavy rains in the Zambezi river's catchment area, officials said.

"It is estimated that some 15,000 to 20,000 people are already affected by the floods, compared to last year when some 12,000 people were in need of assistance," said Razia Essack-Kauaria, secretary general of the Namibian Red Cross Society (NRS).

The NRS has sent a team to the northeastern border town of Katima Mulilo with a consignment of tents, water purification tablets, collapsable water cans, blankets and mosquito nets, she said in a statement.

She added: "The government in the Caprivi has faced some difficulties in providing necessary transport for assessment teams, but has made five boats available."

"The authorities are waiting for helicopters from Windhoek to reach the most remote areas, which are not even accessible by boats, but the date of their arrival has yet to be confirmed.

"This has made it more difficult to estimate the exact numbers of people affected."

Chris Kruger, a technician for the Namibia Water Corporation said the Zambezi -- one of southern Africa's largest rivers and the border between Namibia and Zambia -- has surpassed the last year's 6.62 metre (22 feet) flood level.

Some 12,000 people were displaced by those floods.

"The Zambezi hit the seven metre mark on Friday," Kruger told AFP by telephone from Katima Mulilo.

About 15 schools were also flooded in the Katima area and in Kabbe, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of the regional capital.

Various tourist lodges were also unreachable.

One lodge owner, who asked not to be identified, told AFP: "Some of our buildings are flooded and the neighbouring lodge is only accessible by boat."

Meanwhile, at least two Zimbabwean air force helicopters have flown to the water-stricken area to help with rescue operations, the state-run Zimbabwean Broadcasting Corporation reported in Harare on Saturday.

"The first Zimbabwean helicopters that went in this week took government and aid officials on an assessment trip of the affected areas," it said, adding that officials believed these to be the worst floods there since 1958.