Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding across Senegal, leaving several people dead and injured while damaging roads, buildings and other infrastructure.
Dakar and several other parts of the country were affected by flash floods following intense rainfall over the weekend. In the capital, floodwaters disrupted traffic and affected major transport routes, while some residential areas were submerged.
Local reports said a 25-year-old woman and her four-year-old son died after their home was flooded in the Parcelles Assainies area of Dakar. Fatalities and injuries were also reported in Matam, while authorities in Kaolack continued to assess the circumstances surrounding a building collapse.
Senegal’s meteorological agency, ANACIM, reported rainfall totals of up to 142 millimetres in 24 hours in Rufisque and Ranerou, while Dakar’s Yoff district recorded 138 millimetres.
Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo has activated an emergency regional plan for Dakar and ordered increased coordination of rescue and relief operations. Authorities are also assessing whether the start of the school year should be postponed in affected areas.
Officials have warned residents to avoid flooded roads and buildings weakened by the heavy rainfall as further rains are expected.
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