UNICEF Botswana Flood Situation Report: Impact and Humanitarian Response

Since February 16, 2025, Botswana has faced severe flooding due to heavy rains, displacing over 5,000 people and disrupting access to critical resources. UNICEF has partnered with the Botswana Red Cross Society to provide essential aid and has requested $860,000 to facilitate further recovery efforts.

On February 16, 2025, Botswana began to experience widespread flooding due to intense rainfall, displacing over five thousand individuals, including a significant number of children. This crisis has hampered access to vital resources such as clean water, healthcare, education, and shelter, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations and increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks.

The infrastructure in various regions has suffered notable impacts, including road closures and power outages that impair mobility and disrupt essential services. Health clinics, specifically in Molapowabojang and Kanye, have reported service interruptions, further complicating the situation for residents requiring medical care.

In response to the crisis, UNICEF has allocated US$50,000 to work alongside the Botswana Red Cross Society to provide essential supplies. This assistance includes hygiene kits, safe drinking water, and oral rehydration salts, all coordinated with health facilities and aimed at supporting child protection measures within evacuation centers.

Furthermore, UNICEF has made an appeal for US$860,000 to bolster government initiatives that aim to deliver life-saving assistance and facilitate long-term recovery efforts for those affected by the floods.

The floods in Botswana are leading to a significant humanitarian crisis, necessitating immediate intervention to provide essential services and supplies to affected populations. UNICEF’s collaboration with local organizations and its funding appeal are vital steps toward addressing the urgent needs caused by this disaster, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children. Long-term support remains crucial for recovery efforts as the situation evolves.

Original Source: reliefweb.int