In February 2025, Botswana faced severe flash flooding due to heavy rains, impacting multiple districts and prompting evacuations. Vulnerable populations were significantly affected, and schools were temporarily closed. The Botswana Government, alongside the Red Cross, is mobilizing efforts to support approximately 9,000 affected individuals, amidst concerns of worsening conditions driven by ongoing rainfall and previous disasters.
In February 2025, Botswana experienced significant flash flooding from the 19th to the 21st, affecting multiple districts including Boteti, Gaborone, Ghanzi, and Kgatleng. Peak rainfall reached 235mm in Kokotsha and 160mm in Mogoditshane, prompting widespread flooding that submerged homes, disrupted transport, and contaminated water sources. An assessment revealed that many vulnerable individuals, such as children and pregnant women, were severely impacted, especially in low-lying areas.
Schools across the affected districts were temporarily closed from February 20 to 24 due to transportation issues caused by the floods. In Kgatleng District, schools remained closed longer, with Linchwe II Junior Secondary School reopening only by February 17, 2025. The floods necessitated the evacuation of 2,318 individuals, with hundreds still in evacuation centers as of early March 2025, exacerbated by closed major roads limiting access.
Prior to the flooding, the Botswana Government had issued warnings on February 19, 2025, of above-average rainfall forecasts, indicating a potential worsening of conditions. These floods were influenced by La Niña and broader regional weather patterns. The government has called on the Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) to aid in community support amid these challenges, particularly following previous severe flooding in late 2024 that diminished response capabilities. Through disaster response funding, BRCS aims to assist 9,000 individuals across affected districts including Ghanzi, Kgatleng, Tlokweng, and Gaborone.
The severe flooding in Botswana in February 2025 has had a profound impact on numerous communities, especially those in low-lying areas. The rains have led to significant disruptions in daily life, including temporary school closures and the necessity for evacuations. The government and the Botswana Red Cross Society are actively working to address the needs of the displaced population. Continued weather patterns and previous flooding events remain a concern, necessitating ongoing support and resource allocation to assist the affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
