Since June, heavy rains have unleashed devastating floods across Niger, resulting in the tragic loss of 53 lives and impacting 18,000 individuals, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The relentless downpours have not only taken lives but also wreaked havoc on infrastructure. Floodwaters have destroyed 1,636 homes and 29 classrooms, while also claiming 10,930 livestock, severely affecting the livelihoods of many families.
Maradi, a south-central region, has been particularly hard-hit, with nearly every part of the country experiencing the brunt of the flooding. In contrast, Niamey, the capital with its two million residents, has remained largely spared from the worst impacts so far.
OCHA warns that the situation could worsen, with more than 247,000 people at risk before the rainy season concludes in late September. To combat this, international organizations including UNICEF, UNHCR, IOM, and the Red Cross are stepping in to provide essential support such as food, emergency shelters, and hygiene kits in the most affected areas.
\"Exacerbated by global climate change, flooding is a recurring threat in Niger,\" the UN agency emphasized, highlighting the growing challenges faced by the West African nation.
In response, Nigerien authorities are actively communicating with residents through text messages, advising them to stay sheltered, secure their livestock, and utilize a toll-free emergency number for assistance.
This year's floods echo the deadly events of 2022, which claimed 195 lives and affected 400,000 people, underscoring the urgent need for effective climate resilience strategies in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
