Which hazards does safety planning in Lesotho need to cover?

It needs to cover floods, drought, severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong winds, frost, heavy snow and landslides, as well as crime. These hazards can affect homes, livelihoods, infrastructure, public services and access to health care.

How do disaster and crime responses differ within the safety system in Lesotho?

Disaster response uses warnings, evacuation, relief and recovery through national, district and community structures. Crime response is handled by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, with ambulance or other emergency assistance needed when people are injured.

Which emergency services can be reached for a safety incident in Lesotho?

Emergency number 112 connects ambulance, fire and police services. The Lesotho Mounted Police Service handles police response, but access and availability can vary by district.

Safety in Lesotho

Safety in Lesotho involves both natural hazards and crime. Floods, drought, severe storms, hail, strong winds, frost, heavy snow and landslides can disrupt homes, roads, services and livelihoods. Crime risks include robbery, assault, burglary, vehicle crime, gender-based violence, stock theft, drug-related offences and cybercrime.

Tip

Build your safety plan for Lesotho around both sudden hazards and crime, because either can disrupt travel, services and access to help. Prioritize the places and times that apply to you, keep emergency contact information available, and use a response suited to the incident. Do not assume that emergency access is equally available in every district.

byKeneuoe&Katleho

Safety planning in Lesotho covers two different kinds of threats. Disasters are events such as floods, drought, severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong winds, frost, heavy snow and landslides. They can damage homes, crops, livestock, roads, bridges, schools, power systems, water supplies and access to health services. The national disaster management system coordinates warnings, emergency response, evacuation, relief and recovery through national, district and community structures. Crime concerns actual or threatened offences, including robbery, assault, burglary, vehicle crime, gender-based violence, stock theft, drug-related offences and cybercrime. Risk can increase at night, on isolated paths, around transport and border junctions, and in some urban areas, especially Maseru. The Lesotho Mounted Police Service handles police response. Emergency number 112 connects ambulance, fire and police services, although access and availability can vary by district. The response therefore depends on the type of incident, its location and the services available nearby. A flood or landslide may require warnings, evacuation and recovery support, while a robbery or assault requires police assistance and possibly medical care. The two areas overlap when a disaster disrupts transport, communications, public services or access to emergency help.