New Era reported that Namibia's Deputy Prime Minister Marco Hausiku had launched the 2011 Flood Disaster Report. The report proposed 19 recommendations to the National Response, including strengthening the early warning, monitoring and response mechanisms to prepare for future floods in the country.
Another recommendation is to shift away from emergency response to disaster risk reduction, incorporating integrated approaches within the different Government sectors, as well as in the work plans of various development partners.
The report further stressed that uniform reporting formats for future flood responses are critical, while permanent relocation from flood-prone areas, and enhancement of floodwater movement through its natural routes can immensely reduce the flood effects. In addition, it emphasises the importance of harvesting flood water for sustainable economic development, including irrigation before a drought hits Namibia again.