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. https://www.pressreader.com/botswana/botswana-guardian/20250221/281548001619935 – via PressReader.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
3. "Relentless rain leaves widespread flooding in Botswana – YourBotswana".
4. "Botswana temporarily closes schools due to torrential rains". 19 February 2025.
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".