At least 94 people have been confirmed dead and 93 others injured following severe rainfall and flooding across Niger, according to officials. The devastating weather has significantly impacted the nation, prompting a major humanitarian response.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Aissa Lawan Wandarma, Niger’s Minister of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Management, detailed the tragedy. She reported that 44 fatalities were attributed to flooding, while 50 people died as a result of house collapses since the onset of the rainy season.
The heavy rains have affected all eight regions of Niger, leading to widespread damage across 692 villages, 129 communes, and 46 departments. The downpour has severely impacted infrastructure and agriculture, destroying 502 huts, flooding 2,763 hectares of farmland, ruining 17,495 tonnes of food supplies, and damaging 37 classrooms.
In response to the crisis, Wandarma announced that food distribution efforts are underway, with substantial supplies of food and non-food kits being dispatched to affected areas. The government is also implementing measures to ensure that those impacted by the floods receive the necessary assistance.
Wandarma emphasized the importance of taking precautionary steps during this period of heavy rainfall. She urged residents to evacuate high-risk areas, maintain water drainage systems, and repair homes that are in poor condition. Additionally, she advised displaced individuals to move away from the remains of their damaged homes to prevent disease outbreaks.
The government’s proactive measures and ongoing relief efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the floods and support those affected by the disaster.
