Floods in Niger: Already a dozen dead and over 16,000 people victims.

Niger has been experiencing a series of floods for several days. The reason for this is the heavy rains that are falling on the country at the beginning of the rainy season. The highest water levels are recorded in the regions of Zinder, Tillabéri, Maradi, Diffa and Tahoua. The latest official figures for these natural disasters show a dozen deaths, over 16,000 victims and significant material damage.

Niger’s populations are suffering the martyrdom at the beginning of the rainy season. The country has been hit by a series of floods for several days, causing the death of a dozen people. More than 16,000 victims and extensive property damage were also recorded. The regions most affected by the waters are Zinder, Tillabéri, Maradi, Diffa and Tahoua.

The three analysis factors of the Civil Protection Department.

For the General Director of Civil Protection, Colonel Major Bako Boubacar, three factors can be used to explain the origin of the damage. These include the intensity of the rains, which occurred within a very short period of time, the fragility of some infrastructures and the occupation of flood-prone areas. In the Zinder region, the commune of Hamdara is one of the worst affected. The images show collapsed houses, and people being relocated to schools.

The weather forecast calls for a very wet rainy season.

The situation is likely to get worse when the weather data is analysed. More rain is expected in the coming days and the forecast is for a very wet rainy season. In contrast to last year, cumulative rainfall is increasing while the number of rainy days is decreasing. A situation that makes things very difficult, says National Meteorological Director Katiellou Gaptia Lawan.

The government’s proactive approach to flooding.

For its part, the government has declared a state of alert throughout the country. Damage assessment is ongoing and response plans are being put in place, reassures the civil protection department. People are urged to be vigilant and to leave potentially flood-prone areas. A freephone number (18) is already operational for all interventions in case of danger.