Botswana Urgent Flood Relief
Donation protected
What is happening in Botswana?
Botswana is currently suffering from country-wide devastating floods and heavy rains resulting in displaced families, heavily damaged property, power outages, road closures and heavy financial loss to livelihoods. Travel is risky and the Government has advised caution. Those seriously affected need assistance of hot meals, blankets, shelter and support to recover from their loss of property.
The Gaborone Dam was at 90% capacity this morning and is now over flowing. Water Utilities issued a "high alert" (Water Utilities Media Release) to the public in the case of overspill if it reaches a capacity of 100%. It is still raining and is expected to reach 100% today (20 February 2025). Roads from nearby villages will be temporarily closed due to flooding.
Climate Change is a pressing global concern, however, it is not new nor surprising that countries like Botswana do not receive as much global exposure as the West; given the paradigm of Western favourability towards issues which directly impact societies in the Global North. It is important to shed light on the realities of communities who are undergoing climate change-related devastation. These extreme weather events are expected to occur more regularly.
How can we help?
The funds which will be gathered will be sent to DITSHWANELO - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights. DITSHWANELO is a local organisation in Botswana, which works with communities and in collaboration with other civil society organisations. It regularly receives requests for immediate assistance for food and clothing. Funds received will help DITSHWANELO to support those in urgent need. More information on the work which DITSHWANELO does in Botswana:
Media Articles:
"Parliament adjourns amidst flood crisis"
"Roads closed as heavy rains flood Gaborone"
"Relentless rain leaves widespread flooding in Botswana"
"Caution Overflow of Gaborone Dam"
https://www.facebook.com/waterutilities/posts/pfbid02Z4veTW6rKZ8FxwN8HefBCXZUZABRhK5hNAw9J9hnUCcHpJ3c1KEkV8p8tGGns9SKl?_rdc=1&_rdr#
Local Resources/Updates:
Sustain267 (a Botswana-based podcast which focuses on communicating climate change) has created a Consolidated Resource Database which can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/BWFloods2025
As a Motswana abroad with direct links to those on the ground, I can ensure these funds will be sent to Botswana in order to assist in urgent relief from the severe flooding.
Organizer
Bahumi Mogwe-Jansen
Organizer
England