US offers help after Namibia flooding

WASHINGTON–The United States offered condolences and help Monday after flooding in Namibia caused widespread damage and claimed dozens of lives.

Since January heavy rains have been pounding the northern parts of the country, resulting in high water levels in the Zambezi River along the northeastern Caprivi region and the Okavango River which borders Angola.

Some 62 people have drowned in Oshakati, 720 kilometres (450 miles) north of the capital Windhoek and 5,000 have been driven from their homes.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent condolences and said Washington had offered assistance.

“I send our sincere condolences and sympathy to the people of Namibia for the loss of life and damage caused by the flooding in northern Namibia,” Clinton said, adding “the US Embassy in Windhoek has offered immediate disaster relief assistance to help provide essential items to those who have been affected by the floods.

“The United States also has sent disaster response and food security experts to the affected regions to help assess the current situation, and we are working closely with the Namibian Government to provide additional help if needed,” Clinton added.