Severe Flooding in Botswana: Impact and Response to February 2025 Disasters

In February 2025, heavy rains caused flash flooding across Botswana, impacting districts such as Gaborone and Kgatleng. Thousands were evacuated, and schools were temporarily closed. The government, alongside the Botswana Red Cross Society, is coordinating efforts to aid approximately 9,000 individuals affected by the disaster.

In February 2025, heavy rains caused significant flash flooding across multiple districts in Botswana, including Boteti, Gaborone, and Kgatleng. The rainfall peaked at 235mm in Kgalagadi and 160mm in Mogoditshane, resulting in flooded homes, submerged roads, and transportation disruptions. This led to severe impacts on residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and migrants, particularly in low-lying areas of 14 districts.

Schools were temporarily closed from February 20 to February 24 due to transport issues, while Kgatleng District schools reopened later, on March 4, 2025. The Linchwe II Junior Secondary School reopened earlier on February 17, 2025, despite damage. In total, 2,318 individuals were evacuated and thousands displaced by the flooding. As of March 2, 2025, 402 individuals remained in evacuation centres while road closures hampered access to several locations.

On February 19, 2025, the Botswana Government had issued warnings about anticipated heavy rainfall, forecasting continued above-average precipitation. Experts indicated that La Niña conditions and broader regional weather patterns exacerbated the flooding. Consequently, due to previous severe weather and its impact on response capabilities, affected districts have sought assistance from the Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS). The national disaster taskforce, which includes the BRCS, aims to support affected communities. Through this DREF allocation, assistance is targeted for approximately 9,000 individuals in areas such as Ghanzi, Kgatleng, Tlokweng, and Gaborone.

The heavy rains and subsequent flooding in February 2025 caused extensive damage across various districts in Botswana, impacting livelihoods and infrastructure. Vulnerable populations were particularly affected, resulting in significant evacuations and school closures. The ongoing response, coordinated by the Government of Botswana and the Botswana Red Cross Society, underscores the need for collective efforts to alleviate distress and support recovery in the affected areas.

Original Source: reliefweb.int