Topnaar key risks identified were:

• Roof damage by high-velocity winds;
• Changes in the !nara melon season due to changes in rainfall and precipitation;
• A decrease in !nara melon production due to increased salinity in aquifers causing salt crystallisation of the plant’s extensive tap root;
• Flooding episodes, sand storm events and extreme temperatures delay transportation and cause discomfort during travels to and from the Walvis Bay urban centre;
• An increased frequency in high air moisture from mist dampens fire wood that is intended for energy supply and food preparations;
• Community members have moved to higher ground as a result of flooding along the Kuiseb River during February 2008 and 2009. This has led to the community becoming increasingly sparsely dispersed;
• Flooding has affected access to water boreholes;
• Sea water intrusion has reportedly resulted in tap water becoming more saline than borehole water taken from boreholes positioned along the river bed.