Needs of Family Survivors of Floods in Molepolole, Botswana

Abstract

Introduction:

Floods are common worldwide and are the leading cause of fatalities. They are destructive to property, crops, and livestock, and leave survivors homeless or displaced to evacuation camps.

Aim:

To explore the needs of family survivors of floods in Molepolole, determine assistance received and needed, and identify coping strategies used to deal with the impact and effects of floods.

Methods:

Jordan (2015) model of disaster survivors’ hierarchy of needs guided the study. Purposive sampling selected six families, and seven participants from these families enrolled in the study. A pilot-tested semi-structured interview guide collected data. Data were analyzed using the content style.

Results:

The study findings confirmed that survivors of floods had immediate and long-term needs, and these were classified into basic, safety, recovery, stress reaction, grief and loss, and growth. Not all survivors were grateful for the assistance they received following floods. Survivors used varied coping strategies to deal with their stressors. The study was conducted in Molepolole, hence, the findings may not be applicable in other settings. Individuals were interviewed on behalf of the entire family.

Discussion:

There is a need for a multidisciplinary team which will keep the community at the forefront in tackling flood mitigation and developing policies specific to floods. Policies will include indigenous flood mitigation practices and will strengthen awareness of communities to improve knowledge, skills, and attitude. More research is needed on the needs of each survivor.