Severe Flooding in Botswana: Government and BRCS Response Initiatives
In February 2025, heavy rains caused severe flooding across various Botswana districts, displacing thousands and damaging infrastructures. The government anticipates continued rainfall, prompting the involvement of the Botswana Red Cross Society for aid. A national response taskforce is addressing the needs of the affected population, targeting over 9,000 individuals.
From February 19 to 21, 2025, Botswana experienced significant flash flooding due to heavy rainfall across various districts. Areas including Boteti, Gaborone, Ghanzi, South-East, Kweneng, Kgalagadi, Mogoditshane, and Kgatleng faced rainfall peaking at 235mm and 160mm in Kokotsha and Mogoditshane respectively. This led to inundated homes, submerged roads, and contamination of water supplies, disrupting transportation networks severely.
An assessment revealed many victims, notably children, pregnant women, the elderly, and migrants, especially in low-lying regions affecting 14 districts. Schools were closed from February 20 to 24, and Kgatleng District schools remained closed until March 4, 2025, due to exacerbated flooding. Temporary evacuation centers housed 2,318 individuals, with additional thousands displaced as of February 26, 2025, while 402 remained in evacuation scenarios by March 2, 2025.
On February 19, 2025, the Botswana Government issued a warning of continuous above-average rainfall, indicating possible worsening of conditions in impacted areas. Climate projections indicate that La Niña and broader regional weather patterns have intensified the flooding. The government has requested assistance from the Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) to enhance support for affected communities, given the pre-existing storm impacts diminishing response capabilities.
A national disaster taskforce has been established with the BRCS actively participating. The allocation from the Disaster Emergency Fund (DREF) aims to assist 9,000 individuals (approximately 3,167 households) in Ghanzi, Kgatleng, Tlokweng, and Gaborone, addressing immediate needs following the flooding.
The floods in Botswana from February 19 to 21, 2025, resulted in significant distress affecting over 9,000 individuals across multiple districts. The adverse weather led to severe flooding that damaged infrastructure, disrupted education, and necessitated evacuations. Government and BRCS response efforts are underway to assist the displaced populations while addressing the persistent challenges intensified by climatic phenomena.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
