NWR rescues 96 hikers from Fish River Canyon after dam overflow

The hikers, comprising nine different groups, were affected by rapidly rising water levels downstream after NamWater opened the sluice gates of the Naute Dam. Heavy rainfall in the Hardap and ||Kharas regions over the weekend caused the Naute Dam to reach 116.9% of its capacity, while the nearby Neckartal Dam also exceeded 105.7% and began spilling water into the canyon. As a result, the Fish River hiking trail has been temporarily closed.

NamWater reported that the Naute Dam's level prompted the opening of one sluice gate, releasing water at 102 cubic metres per second. Commissioner Marius Katamila, the ||Kharas police regional commander, confirmed that members of the Special Reserve Force and a police helicopter are assisting with the rescue efforts from NWR's Hobas resort. Ten hikers managed to exit the canyon on their own on Sunday.