NDMO warns the public of floods

'Given the forecast, the district commissioners who are responsible for managing floods in their respective localities have been urged to be alert and report such incidents to the National Disaster Management offices,' he said.

Moyo revealed that so far, they have received reports of a few cases from Mochudi, Maun, Palapye and Tati Siding areas, which were affected by flooding. He added that the affected households were accordingly assisted with relief supplies. He said at least 20 houses in Palapye, 30 in Maun and 12 houses in Mochudi have been affected. He said in some affected districts victims have been provided with temporary structures.

The acting NDMO Director further stated that the updated seasonal forecast from the Department of Meteorological services indicates that there is a likelihood of normal to above normal rainfall over most parts of the country during the last part of the rainfall season from January to March.

'Furthermore, the North East and South East districts are expected to have above normal rainfall. This may result in flash flooding in some parts of the country,' he said.

In light of this, Moyo said NDMO has made plans for the seasonal forecast to be dispatched to districts, requesting them to prepare for impending disasters, clearing of storm water drainage systems and updating of contact details of members of the District Disaster Committees and inventories of relief supplies. He revealed that the committee includes among others, army officials, police and nurses, adding that their roles have been clarified.

'Moreover, NDMO is keeping in reserve some relief supplies in its national warehouse to augment district supplies,' said Moyo.

Asked if the continued threat posed by the swelling of the Zambezi River would affect the country, Moyo said the department assured them that the Zambezi situation would not affect Botswana on the same scale compared to Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. (Sila Press Agency)