At least nine people have died in severe flooding that has ravaged Botswana over the past two weeks, the National Floods Emergency Response Committee announced on Friday.
In a statement, the committee said the disaster has displaced thousands, destroyed infrastructure and left authorities scrambling to mitigate further risks.
“To date, 5,458 people have been affected, including 1,164 children, with 2,318 evacuated and 556 still housed in evacuation centres, primarily in Gaborone,” the statement said.
“Tragically, nine (9) lives have been lost.”
The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall, have wreaked havoc across the country, submerging homes, damaging roads and bridges and inundating farmlands.
High-risk areas include Mochudi, Kuke, Oliphant’s Drift, Sepako, Parshalt, Bray, the Molopo River Basin, Gaborone, and Tlokweng.
THe committee warned that the Gaborone Dam is at risk of overspilling, further endangering communities.
While floodwaters have started receding in some areas, all but one of the country’s dams remain above 100 percent capacity, increasing the likelihood of renewed flooding.
The Department of Meteorological Services has issued a fresh warning, forecasting heavy rains of 50mm or more between Friday and March 3.
“Key concerns include additional displacement, infrastructure damage, disruption of essential services, and shortages of basic supplies such as food, water and medication,” the committee said.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas, boil drinking water, and comply with evacuation orders.
Tourists and travellers have also been advised to exercise caution, particularly in affected regions.
JN/APA