12 Jan 2025

The recent heavy rainfall in Etsha 13 in the Okavango district, has left over 19 families in critical need of assistance.  

District Officer II for Okavango, Mr David Moeng, said on January 9 that “many homes have been destroyed, and the District Commissioner’s office is working tirelessly to provide crucial support to those suffering."  

Social workers have been deployed to evaluate the damage and identify families requiring immediate assistance and thus far, three families have been identified as needing urgent accommodation.

Mr Moeng announced that discussions were underway with Etsha 13 Primary School to provide these families with temporary shelter while the District Administration Office prepares to deliver tents.  

In a troubling incident, two young girls, aged three and six, sustained minor injuries when their hut collapsed due to the heavy rains.

Mr Moeng urged parents to remain vigilant during this time of crisis, as the flooding had made some village ponds dangerously deep, increasing the risk of drowning.  

In a related issue, the situation in Etsha 6 village has also deteriorated, with seven teachers’ houses submerged, leaving educators unable to work. 

The District Commissioner’s office is collaborating with the Water Utilities Corporation to develop urgent solutions at Etsha 6 Junior, as schools are set to resume this week, and the water levels present significant challenges for the staff. Ends