From 2 to 4 April 2009, H.E. Madame Ren Xiaoping, Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, joined a delegation of more than 15 heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Namibia, the UN and other humanitarian aid agencies headed by the Director-General of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Professor Peter Katjavivi, in a tour to assess the impact of the floods in the north and north-eastern regions of the country.

In the Caprivi Region they were flown to various places affected by floods, as well as the relocation centres at Schuckmannsburg, where more than 4 000 people were relocated.

According to an assessment report by the United Nations (UN), about 23 000 people are affected in the Caprivi Region and about 9 000 were relocated to camps. The figure comprises about 16 665 people in the Kabbe constituency, 6 309 people in the Katima Rural and 120 people in the Katima Urban constituency.

The report says more places continue to be affected and the majority of the people have been isolated from health centres and other facilities. A shortage of boats has also hampered the speedy relocation of people to higher grounds, as well as the transportation of fuel and other basic necessities to the affected people. About 5 000 livestock are still stranded in the isolated areas. There are also few latrines to cater for people in the relocation centres and most of the relocation camps have no access to potable water. There is only one nurse at Schuckmannsburg. So far cases of common colds, chest infection, and unconfirmed cases of malaria and skin rashes especially with children continue to pose challenges at relocation centres.

Caprivi Regional Governor Leonard Mwilima also cited a shortage of tents, water purification tablets, latrines, and other supplies to the affected people. The team toured the relocation camp at Schuckmannsburg and spoke to teachers, school children and communities at the centre to find out their needs.

They also proceeded to assess the floods in the Kavango, Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshana regions.