Flood monitoring systems vandalised in northern ephemeral rivers

Flood monitoring systems vandalised in northern ephemeral rivers
Maria David
TIMELY warning of floods has been made difficult following the vandalism of flood monitoring infrastructure along the northern ephemeral rivers.
This is according to Senior Hydrologist from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Leonard Hango.
Hango said that most of their flood monitoring devices that has been erected in the streams has been damaged by the local people.
"A lot of our systems have been damage, either cables being cut, batteries removed or solar plates being damaged by the people," he said.
Vandalism acts like these were observed in the Oshigambo, Engela, Shanalumono, Shakambebe, Okalongo, Epoko, Onawa, Ogongo and Oshuuli riverines.
Hango indicated that with the eminent flood that is being reported flowing from Cunene Province of Southern Angola, timely monitoring and reporting is difficult in absence of functioning hydrological flow monitoring system in place.
"The Flash flood has been observed in the area of Ondjiva and Namacunde Cunene area but have not yet reached our borders with Angola," says Hango.
He further stressed that for now, the community along the borders line should be on alert as flood water may reach them in the coming days.
Hango said the Ministry will keep on observing the situation on the ground and inform the public accordingly.
MONITORING: Senior Hydrologist from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Leonard Hango monitoring various areas from along the borders. -Video: Maria David.