Gaborone [Botswana], March 1: Visiting tourists have been urged to remain vigilant and follow safety measures as heavy rains are anticipated across the country over the weekend, according to an update on the flood situation in Botswana issued on Friday.
"Tourists and travelers are advised to stay alert, vigilant, and adhere to safety guidelines, particularly in flood-prone areas. The government encourages everyone to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period," said Botswana's Multi Sectoral Flood Response Technical Committee in a statement.
Botswana continues to grapple with a critical flooding situation caused by recent heavy rains that have severely affected communities across the country, damaging residential properties, critical infrastructure, and agricultural land, displacing thousands of families, and disrupting livelihoods.
A total of 5,458 people have been affected, 2,318 have been evacuated, and 556 are still in evacuation centers, mostly in the national capital of Gaborone. The death toll from the floods has risen to nine.
The high-risk areas are near rivers and dams, where additional displacement, infrastructure damage, disruption of essential services, and shortages of basic supplies such as food, water, and medicine could occur, officials said.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
