Gaborone, Botswana - February 21, 2025 Heavy rains in Botswana's capital city Gaborone have resulted in widespread and devastating floods in recent days, with roads submerged and residential neighborhoods flooded. The death toll from the flooding in Botswana has risen to seven, the country's President Duma Boko announced on Saturday. He added that the total number of people evacuated has risen to 1749, up from 498 reported on Friday. Amid the chaos, authorities have been trying to rally the nation. "Where we are currently is, we have a national emergency. We have not yet reached national disaster which is the upside currently. All hands are on deck and this can only help us come out bigger, better, and stronger as the nation, and obviously more prepared," said Maipelo Mophuting, assistant minister for State Presidency, Botswana. Education authorities have ordered the closure of schools, with the forecast for more heavy rain into next week. Businesses have suffered extensive damage, and residents in low-lying areas have been particularly hard hit, with many forced to evacuate their homes. "There was water all over, be it the garage, the lounge, the dining room, all over up to my bedroom. We couldn't do much, but just watch and wait for the water to go away. The water issue, the problem with my yard is that it seems to be at the lower side, such that the water that comes from up the street goes into my yard," said Balibi Pitse, a resident. During the hard time, organizations like the Botswana-China Friendship Association have stepped forward to provide aid, donating food and essential supplies to those affected. "We want to assure you that our contributions might be small but they come from a place of deep care and commitment. We stand with the government and people of Botswana and we will continue to contribute to the development of our country," said Miles Nan, executive chairman of the Botswana-China Friendship Association. The Botswana government has warned that the country will continue to experience heavy rains into next week, raising concerns over further flooding and damage in already affected areas. The video shows: 1. Various of flooded road 2. Aerial shot of vehicles on flooded road 3. Various of vehicles on flooded road 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Maipelo Mophuting, Assistant Minister for State Presidency, Botswana (starting with shot 3/partially overlaid with shot 5/ending with shot 6): "Where we are currently is, we have a national emergency. We have not yet reached national disaster which is the upside currently. All hands are on deck and this can only help us come out bigger, better and stronger as the nation and obviously more prepared." ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 5. Aerial shot of tree being inundated ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 6. Various of flooded residential building 7. Various of people being evacuated 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Balibi Pitse, resident (starting with shot 7/ending with shot 9): "There was water all over, be it the garage, the lounge, the dining room, all over up to my bedroom. We couldn't do much, but just watch and wait for the water to go away. The water issue, the problem with my yard is that it seems to be at the lower side, such that the water that comes from up the street goes into my yard." 9. Various of sign of Botswana-China Friendship Association 10. Various of supplies donating ceremony 11. Supplies 12. SOUNDBITE (English) Miles Nan, executive chairman, Botswana-China Friendship Association (starting with shot 11/partially overlaid with shot 13): "We want to assure you that our contributions might be small but they come from a place of deep care and commitment. We stand with the government and people of Botswana and we will continue to contribute to the development of our country." ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 13. Flooded farmland ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 14. Various of people being evacuated [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]