Africa-Press – Botswana. Scores of phane harvesters were on Tuesday rescued at Sewacho near Tshimoyapula following flash flooding, which made the area inaccessible.
According to Serowe District Officer, Ms Lydia Keatlholetswe, the 12 included four minors.
She said the authorities were alerted by one of the harvesters who had gone to Topisi, who could not reach the camping site on his way back as the area was impassable due to flooding following torrential rains on Sunday.
She said the rescue team could not rescue the trapped harvesters on Monday as they faced challenges of locating them due to bad road condition and network challenges.
The rescue team, she said was therefore reinforced by the Botswana Defence Force on Tuesday, who helped in locating the harvesters.
She further said another team of 33 harvesters was also rescued at another camping site.
She urged harvesters to be cautious when harvesting during rainy seasons, as roads could become impassable.
She also urged parents to avoid going with their minor children as it would be difficult for them to access health services should the need arise.
Meanwhile, Mahalapye District Commissioner, Mr Ernest Phiri thanked the rescue team, which included BDF and Khama Rhino Sanctuary personnel for their swift response.
He said the river, adjacent to where they were camping was overflowing, which reached their camping sites, posing a risk to their lives.
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