Niamey, Niger—Devastating floods have swept across Niger since June, claiming the lives of 339 people and displacing over 1.1 million, according to the country's civil protection agency. The torrential rains have caused widespread destruction, marking one of the worst natural disasters to hit the Sahel nation in recent years.
State news agency ANP reported on Tuesday that the floods have left another 383 individuals injured as of September 23. The calamity has affected regions throughout the country, including the capital city Niamey, where nine fatalities were recorded.
The relentless downpours have not only resulted in tragic loss of life but have also inflicted \"major losses\" on essential infrastructure, equipment, livestock, and food supplies. A historic mosque in Zinder, Niger's second-largest city, built in the mid-19th century, was among the structures destroyed, underscoring the cultural impact of the disaster.
Some regions experienced up to 200 percent more rainfall compared to previous years, as reported by the national meteorological agency. The unprecedented levels of rain have overwhelmed communities, with areas unaccustomed to flooding now grappling with the aftermath.
In response to the widespread devastation, the government has postponed the start of the school year to the end of October. The decision aims to accommodate the significant number of displaced families and address the damage sustained by educational facilities.
The interior minister had previously announced that at least 273 people were dead and over 700,000 affected as of last month. The updated figures reflect the ongoing severity of the situation as extreme weather continues to batter the region.
Niger's rainy season typically runs from June to September and is known to impose a heavy toll. In 2022, 195 people lost their lives due to similar flooding incidents. However, this year's catastrophe has surpassed previous records, raising concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of such events.
Experts have long cautioned that climate change is exacerbating extreme weather patterns, leading to more frequent, intense, and prolonged events like floods. The situation in Niger serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions and international support to address the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions.
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Niger ups flood toll to 339 dead, more than 1 million affected
cgtn.com
