Severe Flooding in Botswana: A Call for Emergency Assistance

In February 2025, Botswana faced severe flooding due to heavy rains, which affected multiple districts and displaced thousands. Key areas experienced rainfall of up to 235mm, damaging homes and leading to school closures. The Botswana Red Cross Society is engaged in relief efforts, targeting 9,000 individuals across affected regions.

From February 19 to 21, 2025, Botswana experienced severe flash flooding due to heavy rainfall across several districts, including Boteti, Gaborone, Ghanzi, South-East, Kweneng, Kgalagadi, Mogoditshane, and Kgatleng. Rainfall peaked at 235mm in Kokotsha and 160mm in Mogoditshane, causing widespread flooding that disrupted transport, contaminated water supplies, and damaged homes.

As of February 21, 2025, an assessment revealed significant impacts on vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and migrants particularly in low-lying areas. The floods led to the temporary closure of schools from February 20 to 24, affecting numerous districts including Kgatleng, where schools reopened later due to severe conditions. Evacuation centres housed 2,318 individuals, while thousands were displaced.

By March 2, 2025, 402 individuals continued residing in evacuation centres. Major roads remained closed, further limiting accessibility to affected regions. Ahead of the floods, the Botswana Government warned on February 19 of anticipated continued rainfall due to La Niña conditions, which were expected to exacerbate the flooding situation.

In response to this crisis, the Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) has been requested to assist the government in relief efforts. The national disaster taskforce has been mobilized, with the BRCS targeting approximately 9,000 individuals (3,167 households) in Ghanzi, Kgatleng, Tlokweng, and Gaborone to provide necessary support.

The February 2025 floods in Botswana had a catastrophic impact, primarily affecting vulnerable populations while causing significant infrastructural damage. The government’s collaborative measures with the Botswana Red Cross Society emphasize the need for ongoing assistance to support displaced individuals and facilitate recovery. Continued monitoring and preparedness in light of climate conditions are crucial to mitigate future flooding risks.

Original Source: reliefweb.int