Rain inudates Windhoek

Torrential rain has inundated the City of Windhoek and left behind destruction that could run into billions of dollars.

Initial reports suggest that at least two of four boys washed in the runoff after 100 milliliters of rain has fallen in one hour have been rescued. Search continues for the rest of the boys. The rain accompanied by strong winds has shorn off parts of the zinc roofings from some Windhoek houses and flooded several floors of the Wernhill Shopping Centre.

Ankle-high flood water on in the ground floor lobby of Wernhill Park Shopping Mall after the area is inundated by rain water

Scene from the City of Windhoek indicate extensive damage to a city that has been ill-prepared for the storm. A small Hyundai sedan is seen transported by the riverbed in one image and in another, motorists hoping to travel from Windhoek to Rehoboth are seen trapped and unable to drive through a bridge on the B1 Highway in the City.

A city bus driver has been reportedly trapped in the bus at the parking yard in Northern Industrial Area after stormwater has surrounded him. The extent of the damage caused by the City’s first reported torrential rain since its inhabitation remains unclear at this stage, with no initial reports of loss of life and no information about what impact the torrent has on informal settlements.

Losses and damage from the rain is expected to run into millions and it has disturbed holiday plans for many homeowners who may be forced to cut their holidays shorts, and return to their homes in Windhoek to assess the damage.