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".