2025 Botswana floods

The 2025 Botswana floods were caused by several days of severe rainfall across the country, ^{[1] [2]} including Ghanzi, ^[3] Gaborone ^[4] and Francistown among other regions. ^[5] The severe flooding lead to widespread closure of roads, as well as the Botswana government closing all schools from the 19th to 24 February. ^[6]

Overflowing rivers and dams caused extensive infrastructure damage, displaced residents, and resulted in loss of life. ^[7]

Relief Efforts

The Botswana Red Cross Society provided emergency assistance to affected families and regions, by distributing food, clean water, blankets, and temporary shelter for displaced residents. ^[8]

Olympic Gold medallist Letsile Tebogo has been praised in him saving stranded civilians in Gaborone and taking them into his vehicle, ^[9] describing him as "a true man of the people". ^[10]

References

1. "Botswana floods: Schools and roads closed after relentless rain". BBC Weather. 2025-02-20. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
2. "Devastating floods in Botswana: UNICEF calls for US$350,000 to support children and families". www.unicef.org. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
3. cfeditoren (2025-02-22). "Flood Displaces 600 in Ghanzi District". Botswana. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
4. "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
5. "Relentless rain leaves widespread flooding in Botswana – YourBotswana".
6. "Botswana temporarily closes schools due to torrential rains". 19 February 2025.
7. Davies, Richard. "Flooding in Botswana, February 2025". global-flood.emergency.copernicus.eu. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
8. "Heavy Rains Trigger Widespread Flooding Across Botswana". Botswana Youth Magazine. February 20, 2025.
9. Bregman, Scott (21 February 2025). "Paris 2024 gold medallist Letsile Tebogo comes to the aid of stranded drivers". Olympics.com.
10. Ormond, Cameron (February 19, 2025). "Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo rescues citizens from severe flooding".