Niël Terblanché
Strong winter rains are still expected to continue falling over large parts of southern Namibia and while the extreme cold still poses a danger to livestock and vulnerable people.
The main road that connects Namibia to South Africa at Noordoewer was damaged on Wednesday night after heavy rains fell in the area.
The road along the so-called Vyf Myl Poort to the immediate south of Vioolsdrif in South Africa was destroyed in several places by rushing flood waters.
The South African roads authority in a statement warned motorists about the severe damage to the road N7 main route.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) confirmed that the N7 section 8, approximately 10 kilometres before Vioolsdrift is closed due to flooding.
A portion of the N7 has already been severely damaged and the water levels continue to rise.
According to the statement. It is expected that more damage will occur and the N7 will be closed for an unspecified period of time to effect necessary repairs once the water levels have receded.
Road users travelling to and from Namibia can access the country at the Alexander Bay border, via Steinkopf intersection (N7) towards Port Nolloth on the R382.
“Our Routine Road Maintenance and all Emergency Services are on hand, monitoring the situation and responding in accordance with the level of urgency. They will be closing roads where it becomes unsafe to travel and where possible, will advise on alternative routes,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Region Manager.
He appealed to road users to be on high alert, reduce speed and if at all possible, avoid travelling in those areas, as further rain and adverse weather are expected.
The destruction of the main route to South Africa occurred while livestock and crop farmers in the south and central-eastern parts of the country have been warned to take extra precautions against the cold front currently rolling over the south.
The cold front caused heavy winter rain showers in towns like Rosh Pinah, Aus and Lüderitz.
The Namibia Meteorological Services indicated that rain of between 50mm and 100mm is expected to hit most of the southern parts of the country and that the adverse weather conditions could last into the weekend.
“Very cold conditions are equally expected in the west, central and eastern regions, which will see cold to cool conditions also persist for the rest of the week,” the weather service warned.
The kids need additional care and attention, mainly if they are born during the winter season.
