Namibia braces for tropical depression Dineo

Namibians have been warned not to travel long distances from Friday until Sunday when the tropical depression Dineo is expected to land.

In a statement issued Friday, the Namibia Meteorological Services said Dineo was expected to land in the northern regions Saturday morning and that it will be accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds.

The meteorological services deputy director Franz Uirab said the depression that has already hit Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa should be expected in Kavango region in the east, Oshikoto and Omaheke in the north by Saturday.

Uirab also said the depression will hit the Khomas region in the central part and the Hardap region in the south of the country.

By Sunday, he said, the depression will have drifted to Erongo region and the Kunene in the southeast.

He further said that the accompanying heavy rainfall could range from 50mm to 100mm.

"We are expecting the depression to fade away on Tuesday but by Monday afternoon, it will start to weaken," Uirab said, adding that floods and destruction of infrastructure should be expected too.

The impact of the depression, Uirab explained, will be felt on Sunday. As precautionary measures, Uirab said Namibians should stock up on food and water to last three days and to stay indoors.

He also said if at home, people must unplug all electrical appliances and postpone inland travels and not to take shelter under trees or electrical infrastructure.

Furthermore, people have been warned to disconnect gadget that use gas; avoid crossing flooded rivers; and make sure that all windows and doors are closed. Endit