Botswana authorities say at least nine people were confirmed dead Monday, as rare flooding hit the semi-arid country. More than 5,000 people have been affected by the floods as record rainfall fell over the last week.

President Duma Boko of Botswana on Saturday said flash floods have killed no fewer than seven people, including three children, and uprooted thousands after days of heavy rains across the country. The incident has made authorities to temporarily shut schools and blocked roads.

Flash floods in Botswana have caused devastation, killing seven people and displacing thousands. President Duma Boko has announced emergency measures as inadequate drainage systems have been blamed. Authorities are re-evaluating infrastructure to better handle extreme weather events in the future.