Hazard Early Warning Systems in Botswana: A Social Work Perspective

Abstract

The study aims at exploring hazard early warning systems in Botswana,
their significance and the need for enhanced mechanisms to reduce the risk
of disasters. Early warning systems prompt people to act in order to mitigate
or prevent hazards from becoming disasters. They are essential to empower
populations to respond and appropriately in order to reduce the risk of death,
injury, loss of property or damage. Botswana is prone to various natural
and man-made hazards such as drought, floods, windstorms, animal diseases, pest infestations and HIV and AIDS (Maripe, 2011). Between 1980 and 2010, the country experienced 14 natural disaster events which killed a total number of 686 people and affected 1,340,496. During the same reporting period, averages of 22 people were killed per year, 43,242 people were affected, and the number affected continues to increase over the years (UNISDR, 2011). In 2009, Botswana received heavy rainfall (100mm) with the most affected areas being Dukwi, Sua, Mmatshumu, Lephephe and Mosetse. The rationale for the present study arose from a realization that disasters are increasing in number and severity. Disaster is that part of ecological
propensity which causes major “human hardship with significant discomfort”
rather than expected. It is vital to note that the structure and functioning of
early warning systems vary from one kind of hazard to the other in order to
fit the population group/country that is at risk.