DHA-GENEVA 95/0013
1. FLASH FLOODS FROM HEAVY RAINS SINCE
19 FEBRUARY CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN EASTERN BOTSWANA, ESPECIALLY AFFECTING
MAHALAPYE, SHOSHONG, SEROWE, AND PALAPYE.
2. WHILE OFFICIAL FIGURES ARE NOT YET
AVAILABLE, PRELIMINARY REPORTS SHOW DEATH TOLL AT AROUND 20 AND 2,000 HOMELESS.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTIES, LIVESTOCK, AND ROAD AND RAIL COMMUNICATIONS
IS REPORTED. SOME GOVT OFFICES IN PALAPYE ARE LEFT DISFUNCTIONAL.
3. PRESIDENT OF BOTSWANA, WITH VICE PRESIDENT
AND SOME MINISTERS, VISITED AFFECTED AREAS. LOCAL GOVTS AND NGO'S