2025 Botswana floods

The 2025 Botswana floods were caused by several days of severe rainfall across the country, including Ghanzi, ^[1] Gaborone ^[2] and Francistown among other regions. ^[3] The severe flooding lead to widespread closure of roads, as well as the Botswana government closing all schools from the 19th to 24 February. ^[4]

The long term effects are yet to be seen, however, more flooding is expected as the rains are expected to continue and the Gaborone dam is currently standing at 90%. ^[5]

Relief Efforts

The Botswana Red Cross Society has been providing emergency assistance to affected families and regions, by distributing food, clean water, blankets, and temporary shelter for displaced residents. ^[6] Rescue teams are also working to evacuate people from high-risk areas and provide medical support where needed.

Olympic Gold medallist Letsile Tebogo has been praised in him saving stranded civilians in Gaborone and taking them into his vehicle, ^[7] describing him as "a true man of the people". ^[8]

References

1. https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/84690
2. "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com.
3. "Relentless rain leaves widespread flooding in Botswana – YourBotswana".
4. https://apanews.net/botswana-temporarily-closes-schools-due-to-torrential-rains/#:~:text=Botswana%E2%80%99s%20Ministry%20of%20Education%20and%20Child%20Protection%20has,have%20caused%20flooding%20and%20cut%20off%20several%20roads.
5. "gaborone dam full due to 2025 floods". Bing.
6. "Heavy Rains Trigger Widespread Flooding Across Botswana". Botswana Youth Magazine. February 20, 2025.
7. https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/kenya/botswana-olympic-hero-tebogo-rescues-stranded-citizens-from-floods/ar-AA1zsBTS?ocid
8. Ormond, Cameron (February 19, 2025). "Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo rescues citizens from severe flooding".