Okavango District Commissioner William Keareng has revealed that the flood threat which recently caused significant alarm among communities along the Okavango River has eased following a notable drop in water levels. The update brings much-needed relief to the district after authorities had previously placed villages such as Ikoga and Etsha 13 on high alert. At the height of the concern, residents were advised to take urgent precautionary measures, including relocating to higher ground to avoid the unpredictability of the rising basin.
The surge in water levels began earlier than expected this season, raising fears that low-lying residential areas and arable fields would be submerged before the crucial harvesting period. In some areas, crops were already affected, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers.
During the initial rise, Keareng had cautioned residents particularly those who moved back to the banks after the devastating 2010 floods to prioritise the protection of lives, property, and livestock. However, Keareng indicated this week that the situation has improved as the river’s natural flow opened secondary channels, effectively diverting the volume of water and reducing the immediate risk of a disaster.
Despite the subsiding waters, the District Commissioner warned against a sense of complacency among the public. He expressed particular concern regarding the supervision of children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities, noting that a lack of monitoring has contributed to drowning incidents and increased exposure to danger. Keareng emphasized that even as levels drop, rivers and streams remain treacherous due to strong currents and the presence of dangerous aquatic animals. He urged parents and caregivers to take full responsibility for those under their care to ensure they are kept away from the riverbanks. The district disaster management team remains on active standby to monitor the river’s behavior, as conditions in the Okavango Delta can shift rapidly. Residents were reminded to remain prepared to relocate should the situation worsen unexpectedly. While the current outlook is stable, the call for vigilance remains the priority for the district leadership. Keareng concluded by encouraging all communities along the river to prioritize safety and stay alert to any further communications from the disaster team as the season continues
