Hundreds battle after floods in Botswana

GABORONE: Tropical cyclone Dineo-induced flooding has left hundreds of families homeless and sheltering under dire conditions in Botswana.

More than 650 households have been severely affected by flooding while more than 500 houses have been destroyed, and infrastructure, telecommunication lines and livelihoods were disrupted in the affected districts.

Some 300 households have been displaced and housed in community halls, schools and churches.

As a result of the floods bridges have collapsed, roads have been closed and health facilities are overwhelmed.

The government recently closed schools in some districts to reduce the risk of children drowning, but in some districts children must still travel long distances to school in dangerous flood conditions.

Water sources have also been negatively affected, posing a further threat to the displaced. Destroyed latrines, stagnant water and contaminated boreholes have heightened the health risks as well as the risk of waterborne and communicable diseases.

Gaborone Dam, the water source for the capital city, was at high risk of overflowing, which posed a risk to those living in flood plains adjacent to the river.

The Red Cross said preventative water and sanitation interventions were a priority for the humanitarian community. The organisation would continue conducting assessments.