Five Effects of the Great flood

Every year, the great flood of the Okavango Delta in the Kalahari Desert arrives just in the nick of time. From June to August, the Great flood saturates more than 4,000 square miles (10,359 square kilometers) of parched land surrounding the world's largest inland delta. Billions of gallons of water from the flood pulse transform the delta from an expanse of cracked, scorched earth into verdant grassland.

Shaped like a spindly forearm and outstretched hand, the Okavango Delta reaches down along the northwestern corner of Botswana. Millions of elephants, buffalo, hippos, herons and more travel treacherous lengths to its flooded plains and congregate among the seasonal lagoons, islands and swamps. The temporary oasis provides the desert wildlife a moment of respite during the hottest months of the year and grants an opportunity for abundant feeding and breeding. Every year, the great flood of the Okavango Delta in the Kalahari Desert arrives just in the nick of time. From June to August, the Great flood saturates more than 4,000 square miles (10,359 square kilometers) of parched land surrounding the world's largest inland delta. Billions of gallons of water from the flood pulse transform the delta from an expanse of cracked, scorched earth into verdant grassland.

Shaped like a spindly forearm and outstretched hand, the Okavango Delta reaches down along the northwestern corner of Botswana. Millions of elephants, buffalo, hippos, herons and more travel treacherous lengths to its flooded plains and congregate among the seasonal lagoons, islands and swamps. The temporary oasis provides the desert wildlife a moment of respite during the hottest months of the year and grants an opportunity for abundant feeding and breeding.

The great flood is the grand finale of a nine-month journey that begins in the damp highlands of neighboring Angola. There, in the upper elevations, rain fills the Okavango River to overflowing, sending excess water downriver into Botswana. Since the river has no outlet to the sea, the water stalls in the delta, refilling papyrus-lined channels and soaking the surrounding land. After a few short weeks, floodwaters begin to evaporate in the glare of the sun. The delta landscape gradually fades from vivid green to dusty tan. But despite that brief window of time, the effects of the great flood are lasting and life-giving.

The great flood is the grand finale of a nine-month journey that begins in the damp highlands of neighboring Angola. There, in the upper elevations, rain fills the Okavango River to overflowing, sending excess water downriver into Botswana. Since the river has no outlet to the sea, the water stalls in the delta, refilling papyrus-lined channels and soaking the surrounding land. After a few short weeks, floodwaters begin to evaporate in the glare of the sun. The delta landscape gradually fades from vivid green to dusty tan. But despite that brief window of time, the effects of the great flood are lasting and life-giving.

Get a countdown of the five effects of the great flood.