Flooding in Gaborone exposes critical gaps in disaster preparedness

Inundation spread through several neighborhoods, causing significant property damage and forcing the evacuation of residents from their waterlogged homes.

The crisis was compounded by a lack of clear direction for citizens. While police intermittently cautioned residents via local radio to avoid certain roads and remain indoors, no coordinated response was evident. Traffic signals failed to operate, and with no police officers stationed to manage intersections, long traffic jams ensued—trapping parents on their way to retrieve stranded children from schools.