Three people, two primary school children and a pensioner from the hard hit village of Tlokweng in the southeastern outskirts of Gaborone, have been confirmed dead, according to authorities.
The incessant rains have been pounding since Sunday and experts have blamed poor drainage system to flash flooding saying the emerging diamond city of Gaborone needs to improve its infrastructure.
The devastating flash floods have claimed lives. Worms at movable properties like vehicles and authorities are yet to devour the cost of the damage caused by these flash fire them. But one is now implementing precautionary measures to avoid more loss of lives.
Addressing Botswana Parliament yesterday afternoon, Botswana's Minister of Basic Education and Child Welfare Nono Kgafela Mokoka ordered the temporary closure of schools from today until further notice.
“Schools have been provisionally closed until further notice. The Ministry of Basic Education and Child Welfare has taken this decision to avoid more casualty.
“We cannot afford to lose more people. Our kids are the future and we need to get wisely protect.”
It the better part of Southern African Development Community static region is experiencing above normal rainfall due to the La Nina weather pattern that occurs in the Pacific Ocean.
According to weather experts, La Nina, weather phenomenon changes ocean temperatures, causing severe weather conditions.
To protect civil servants from the devastating flash floods and bad weather, the Botswana government has shortened working hours, as alluded by the Minister for State President, Moeti Mohwasa,”All schools including tertiary institutions will remain closed until further notice from the relevant ministries, all civil servants will from tomorrow February 21 till Friday be allowed to come to work from 0900 CAT until 1530 CAT, we would like to appeal to fellow Batswana while facing this challenge and emergency, we remain united and calm.
Mpho Ishwadhara is a senior metrologist at Botswana's Department of Meteorological Services, she said. These prolonged claims are being prompted by weather instability. Tea, a moisture from the Tropic sun.
“These prolonged downpours are triggered by medium level instability across the country and intensified by a continued influx of moisture from the tropics in the intra tropical convergence zone, causing a significant water accumulation in low lying areas across most parts of the country and leading to impactful flash.
Flooding now the potential effects of these rains may include drowning, poor driving conditions, damage of infrastructure and property, power outages and even loss of life. So the public is advised to continue taking necessary precautions, like avoiding unnecessary movements or travel and taking good care of the vulnerable groups such as. Children, old people and people with disabilities.
Ishwara said the persistent rainfall is expected to persist through of the week and possibly until the end of next week and potentially worsening the situation in the already affected.”
--ChannelAfrica--
