WINDHOEK, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Ongoing flooding in Namibia's northern region of Ohangwena has killed two children, displaced hundreds of households, disrupted schooling for more than 7,000 students, and cut off access to health services in several villages, according to a consolidated flood report released Tuesday.
The report, compiled by the Ohangwena Regional Council, said a total of 233 households with 1,331 people, including children under five, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, have been relocated to eight temporary camps since the flooding began on April 1.
According to the report, floodwaters have submerged crop fields and surrounded villages, making it difficult for relief teams to reach affected areas.
Some villages are completely cut off and helicopters have been used to deliver food and medical services, the report said, adding that 29 schools in the region have been affected, with 15 forced to close due to high water levels.
"A total of 7,236 learners and 259 teachers have been impacted. Some schools have reopened, while others are planning to hold lessons during weekends and holidays to recover lost time," the report said.
Health teams have treated over 1,000 patients through outreach activities, but shortages of medicines, equipment, and transportation continue to hamper service delivery.
The regional council has recommended that the Office of the Prime Minister provide more mosquito nets, mattresses, mobile toilets, and food supplies for 2,000 people as immediate relief.
Ohangwena, located in Namibia's far north bordering Angola, is among the regions most prone to seasonal flooding due to rainfall in upstream catchment areas. In past years, floods have repeatedly displaced residents, destroyed crops, and disrupted education and health services.
