Heavy rains kill seven, cause widespread destruction in Gaborone

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.

Heavy rains kill seven, cause widespread destruction in Gaborone

Heavy rains kill seven, cause widespread destruction in Gaborone

Heavy rains kill seven, cause widespread destruction in Gaborone

Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.

The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.

"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.

The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.

"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.

"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.

To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.

"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.

"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.

"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.

Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration