2008 Namibia floods
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The 2008 Namibia floods took place in early February 2008, a rapid onset of heavy rains triggered floods in northern Namibia, leading to one of its worst floods in 50 years.[1] The floods had killed 42 people by early March[2] and an estimated 65,000 people were affected, primarily in the regions of Omusati, Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena and Caprivi.[3] 40,000 people were assisted by the Namibian Red Cross[1] with 4,600 in relocation camps.[4] Over-crowding and insanitary conditions caused health concerns in relocation camps[3][5] and an outbreak of cholera was announced in March.[5] On 14 March, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs triggered the International Charter for "Space and Major Disasters".[6] Staple crops were devastated and 52,000 people from flood-affected areas were considered in need of immediate of assistance to cover their basic food needs.[7][page needed] Deputy Prime Minister Libertine Amathila declared that the government would spend 65 million Namibian dollars to assist the displaced.[8] Long-term impacts included damage to farmland, housing, schools, roads and infrastructure across the region.[7][page needed] The floods reduced the resilience of the population who were left vulnerable to further flooding which occurred in 2009.[9]
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Duration | February–March 2008 |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | At least 42 deaths |
Areas affected | Northern Namibia, especially Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto |