Response to the 2009 floods emergency in Namibia
For the second consecutive year, torrential rains across Angola, Namibia and Zambia increased water levels in the Chobe, Kunene, Kavango and Zambezi rivers to such an extent that the northcentral and north-eastern parts of Namibia experienced the worst flooding in decades. Six regions were affected: Caprivi, Kavango, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto.
The effects of the flood varied by region with Caprivi Region being the worst affected as water levels exceeded those experienced in 2008 and previous years. Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto regions had the largest number of people affected. These four regions are the most populated areas of Namibia, with a combined population of 800 000 people of which more than 600 000 people were affected by the floods
Unlike the rapid onset of the 2008 floods, the impact of the 2009 floods was cumulative, with more devastation and human suffering due to the prolonged nature of the disaster. The floods also damaged more public infrastructure, with more than 50% of roads damaged in the affected areas. Many roads and bridges were still under repair due to damage from the 2008 floods which had significantly reduced access of the affected population to health facilities, schools and market places.
