Botswana-South Africa: Border closure due to flooding December 24

Event

On Sunday, December 24, authorities closed the Zanzibar border post between Botswana and South Africa due to rain-induced flooding of the Limpopo River. The South African Home Affairs Department has advised motorists to use the Platjan border post as an alternative border crossing. As of December 26, it is unclear how long the closure will remain in effect.

Context

Flooding of the Limpopo river is common during the rainy season, which spans from November through March. In February 2017, flooding closed three border posts along the Botswana-South Africa border:  Zanzibar (about 190 km [118 mi] from Lephalale), Platjan (between Alldays and Selebi Pikwa), and Pontdrift (about 110 km [68 mi] from Musina).

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities, and to anticipate travel disruptions.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, and the Zika virus, tends to rise after periods of heavy rains.