Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
17-03-2026
What happened, where and when?
Between 15 and 19 March 2026, severe flooding affected multiple areas of the Palapye Sub District in the Central District, including Majwaneng, Lerala, Seolwane, Mokokwana, Mosweu, Maunatlala, Martins Drift and surrounding farming areas. This period marked a significant escalation of the ongoing floods emergency in Botswana. On 15 March, approximately 235 mm of rainfall was recorded at Molebatsi Primary School in Majwaneng, overwhelming drainage systems and resulting in widespread inundation of homes, roads and agricultural fields. Around 800 families affected. Moeng College was closed after an overflowing stream cut off safe passage between the boarding area and classrooms, making access unsafe for learners. This event marked a surge of the situation prompting a scale-up of
assistance, also requested by local authorities. For effective prioritization of response across affected areas, the National Society launched an assessment on 17 March to guide ongoing operations. By 20 March, findings confirmed a surge in needs and vulnerabilities, with 7,829 people affected across districts. The assessment highlighted urgent support requirements in Central/Palapye District, where over 2,335 households (7,707 individuals) suffered shelter damage, loss of household items, and displacement. Children, older persons, and female‑headed households faced heightened vulnerability, while livelihood losses included livestock deaths. Flooding along the B140 near Maape turnoff further restricted movement and disrupted critical access routes. At the same time, conditions deteriorated in North West District (Khwai), where rising waters from the Okavango Delta inundated homesteads, forced relocations, and temporarily disrupted access to the primary school. Earlier March assessments documented extensive structural damage and restricted movement, with 37 households (122 people) directly affected. This prompted a written request for support from local authorities on 17th March.
The combined impact constituted a widespread hydrometeorological emergency across central and northwestern Botswana. Continued rainfall and rising water levels are expanding the affected zones and overwhelming local coping capacities. The Department of Meteorological Services forecasts indicate that above average rainfall may persist into April 2026, increasing the likelihood that more remote households will be affected.