UNICEF Botswana Flood Situation Report No. 1, 7 March 2025

Highlights

• Since 16 February, Botswana has been experiencing widespread floods caused by heavy rainfall which resulted in the displacement of over five thousand people, including children, disrupting access to clean water, healthcare, education, and shelter. The crisis is hitting the most vulnerable the hardest, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
• Infrastructure Impact: Road closures and power outages disrupting mobility and essential services. Health clinics in Molapowabojang and Kanye are experiencing service disruptions.
• UNICEF has allocated US$50,000 through a partnership with the Botswana Red Cross Society to distribute essential supplies, hygiene kits, safe drinking water in affected areas, oral rehydration salts, with links to health facilities and child protection measures in evacuation centres.
• UNICEF has appealed for US$860,000 to support government efforts to deliver life-saving aid and long-term recovery efforts.

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

In February 2025, Botswana experienced severe flooding due to torrential rains, leading to significant humanitarian challenges. The severely affected regions, include Gaborone, Francistown, and Ghanzi. The floods have resulted in at least nine fatalities, including six children, and displaced over 5,000 individuals. Over 2,000 people were evacuated from their homes as infrastructure, such as roads and schools, was heavily impacted. Schools were temporarily closed, affecting approximately 600,000 students, though most reopened by February 25 2025. In response, UNICEF has appealed for US$860,000 to support affected children and families and is currently working with partners to support the Government to provide life-saving interventions to meet the needs of children and families impacted by the floods, also emphasizing the increased risk of disease outbreaks due to disrupted access to clean water and sanitation. Additionally, the government has been working to restore essential services, with schools reopening and critical infrastructure being stabilized.