Botswana Floods: Emergency Response to Widespread Displacement and Damage
From February 19 to 21, 2025, heavy rains resulted in significant flooding in multiple Botswana districts, impacting over 9,000 people. The floods led to school closures, extensive evacuations, and major disruptions in transportation and sanitation. The Botswana Government is collaborating with the Red Cross to support recovery efforts amid ongoing adverse weather conditions.
A significant flood event occurred in Botswana from February 19 to 21, 2025, due to heavy rainfall affecting various districts, including Boteti, Gaborone, Ghanzi, South-East, Kweneng, Kgalagadi, Mogoditshane, and Kgatleng. Rainfall measurements reached 235mm in Kokotsha and 160mm in Mogoditshane, leading to extensive flash flooding that resulted in submerged homes, disrupted transport networks, and contaminated water supply. This weather phenomenon prompted the temporary closure of schools amidst widespread displacement.
In conclusion, the floods that impacted Botswana during the specified event significantly affected thousands of individuals, inundating homes and disrupting educational systems. The government’s preemptive warning and subsequent emergency response highlights the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather patterns exacerbated by La Niña conditions. With the involvement of the Botswana Red Cross Society, efforts are underway to assist those affected and restore normalcy in the devastated regions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
