Browsing by Author "Pirie, Gordon H"

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    Flood risk reduction in Botswana analysis and recommendations
    (University of the Western Cape, 2006) Moetsabatho-Moipisi, Keofitlhetse; Pirie, Gordon H
    The turn-of the-century floods in Botswana resulted primarily from prolonged heavy rainfall which started in December 1999 and extended into January 2000. The floods covered almost the whole of Botswana- They caused devastating economic losses to the value of US$ 214 million (Mogwe, 2001), afflicted 80,000 people and caused l3 fatalities (Thedi, 2003). Although the extent of damage caused by the 2000 floods was unexpected, paradoxically, the occurrence of the floods was likely. Botswana's past rainfall records indicate that drought is interspersed by high rains and floods. This being the case, the 2000 floods were not an anomaly but a matter of course. The impacts of the floods were however exacerbated by a number of factors. The geological foundation of the areas of acute flooding consists mainly of hard impermeable rocks overlain by loose mobile soils with minimal infiltration capacities. In addition the country's physiography comprises flat terrain which also had a significant bearing on the infiltration of rainfall run-off. The other factor relate to anthropogenic influences. Human interference with the natural environment has changed the landscape. [n Botswana, there is acute deforestation in and around settlements coupled with the creation of impervious roads, pavements and roofs; this affected percolation and infiltration, increasing rainfall run-off and exacerbating flooding. Arising from these factors, the research argues that flood risk disasters are as important as drought and animal disease and must be included in state policy.