Floods in
Omusati Region have displaced about 250 people who relocated to higher ground.
One person also died and many were left destitute.
About 86
homesteads were extensively damaged, while several schools and churches were
deluged by the heavy rains and mahangu fields submerged, leaving the affected
villagers without food and shelter.
A young
girl lost her life after attempting to cross a turbulent stream while herding a
flock of goats.
Most of the relocated people are mothers with babies, schoolchildren and people
with disabilities in Onesi and Ruacana constituencies of the Omusati Region.
The floods
were caused by a combination of rains in the region as well as the Cunene River
bursting its banks following heavy rains in neighbouring Angola.
Governor
of Omusati Region Erginus Endjala said the region was hard at work to provide
for the affected communities and assist them to return to their homes as soon
as the waters subside.
“The
figure of 250 is only those who are severely affected and have been relocated,
but several other people have also been affected,” said Endjala.
Fifty
families in Okatjaningwa and Eenawa villages have been relocated to the ELCIN
centre near the Etunda irrigation project.
Besides the relocation, Endjala said, authorities have also ensured that food
and ablution facilities were provided for those affected.
Endjala said the relocated residents were provided with tents.
The region
is also strategizing on how the water can be diverted to its usual natural
channels to ease the burden of those affected.
“Engineers are already on site and a preliminary report was completed on Monday
to see how the water can be channelled to Olushandja dam,” said Endjala.
Endjala
appealed to the affected communities to remain calm, assuring that the
authorities would do their best to assist affected residents.
The sable (Hippotragus niger) are less robustly built and lighter in mass than their close relatives the roan.
It is a horse-like antelope with a long mane and easily identified by
their distinctive swept-back horns. They are a savannah woodland
species, dependent on cover and the availability of water. They prefer
open woodland or grassland with medium to high stands of grass and
avoid woodland with a high density of trees or where the grass is
short. 
Sable are gregarious and herds of 20 to 30 are common, with larger
temporary aggregations of up to about 200. They may fall prey to lion,
but most predators attack with caution.
