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Flash flood hit Walvis Bay

    JOHANNESBURG

    High rainfall has led to a critical shortage of water at the usually arid Namibian coastal town of Walvis Bay after flash floods at the weekend forced up to 1,000 people to leave their homes, ‘The Namibian’ reported on Thursday.

    The municipality at Walvis Bay, which lies on the edge of the Namib desert, announced it had been forced to ration water to residents after a strong flow down the usually dry Kuiseb River damaged the water supply system.

    “We want residents to know that water restrictions will apply in all seriousness,” said Kevin Adams, the Municipal spokesman. More than 50,000 residents, fish factories and other businesses will be hit by the restrictions.

    The municipality said water should only be used for household purposes, such as drinking, cooking and bathing. Water rationing is to be implemented immediately and will last indefinitely, while the municipality and the national water utility, NamWater, assess and repair the damage. “There is no danger for the town,” said Adams, who added “there is no reason for people to be alarmed”.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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