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 ARE PROVIDING TENTS, FOOD, AND BLANKETS TO HOMELESS. HEADS OF GOVT DEPARTMENTS AND PRIVATE SECTOR IN PALAPYE HAVE FORMED A COMMITTEE TO COORDINATE ASSISTANCE.
4. UNDP/DHA RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE IS IN CONTACT WITH GOVT TO MONITOR DEVELOPMENTS. NO REQUEST FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN RECEIVED.
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