In March and April of 2009, northern western Namibia was flooded. The area saw mass evacuation as rising waters crept into people’s homes, schools and businesses.
In Okatana, the new home of 300+ Huron County bicycles, much of the community was underwater. Subsistence farmers lost everything – a year’s harvest washed away. However, for many, the destruction also presented an unexpected crop – fish.
After the rain ceased, thousands and thousands of people turned to the water for food. Men & Children who could not go to school or work due to the water levels spent the day catching catfish. Women cleaned and sold extra fish along the side of the road.
What’s amazing is the fish were caught in an area that is normally dry, sandy and dusty. The fish provided food that was dried and stored for the months to come. It will not replace the maize and mahango that was swept away, but it does provide some relief.
