Widespread Flooding in Botswana: A Crisis Response Analysis
Heavy rains from February 19 to 21, 2025, caused severe flooding in multiple districts of Botswana, leading to widespread damage, school closures, evacuations, and contaminated water sources. Ongoing assistance from the Botswana Red Cross Society aims to support approximately 9,000 individuals affected by this event.
From February 19 to 21, 2025, Botswana experienced significant flash flooding due to heavy rains affecting multiple districts, including Boteti, Gaborone, Ghanzi, South-East, Kweneng, Kgalagadi, Mogoditshane, and Kgatleng. Rainfall amounts peaked at 235 mm in Kokotsha and 160 mm in Mogoditshane, causing widespread disruptions. The floods resulted in submerged homes, damaged transport networks, and contaminated water supplies, leading to severe consequences for residents in low-lying areas.
An assessment conducted by the National Society (NS) from February 21 to 24 revealed that many individuals, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women, were affected. Schools temporarily closed from February 20 to 24, with Kgatleng District schools only reopening on March 4 due to the extent of the damage. By February 26, 2025, approximately 2,318 people had been evacuated, with thousands displaced and major roads closed, restricting access to affected areas.
The flooding situation was exacerbated by a warning from the Botswana Government issued on February 19, predicting continued above-average rainfall. The forecast indicated ongoing downpours would likely worsen the conditions in already impacted regions. Contributing factors include La Niña conditions and broader regional weather patterns.
In light of the severe impacts of the flooding and earlier storms from late 2024, the Government of Botswana has requested assistance from the Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) to support affected communities. A national disaster task force has been established, with the BRCS playing a pivotal role. Using DREF allocation, the National Society targets assistance for 9,000 individuals across Ghanzi, Kgatleng, Tlokweng, and Gaborone.
In summary, the heavy rainfall in February 2025 has led to significant flooding across various districts in Botswana, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement. The government, in partnership with the Botswana Red Cross Society, is mobilizing resources to support the affected communities. Efforts are underway to provide assistance to the thousands impacted, particularly the most vulnerable populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
