Niger – Floods Leave Over 30 Dead, Thousands of Homes Destroyed

According to national authorities in Niger, as many as 35 people have died as a result of flooding and heavy rains in the country since the start of the rainy season.

At least 20 people died as a result of houses collapsing, while 15 people drowned in flood waters. Twenty-four people were injured. Fatalities were reported in the regions of Maradi, Agadez and the capital Niamey.

Furthermore, over 2,500 houses and shelters were destroyed, along with schools, mosques and places of work. Over 700 livestock also perished.

Flooding has affected areas of the country since the rainy season began in mid-June. The situation has worsened over the last few days. Civil Protection figures noted that 14,000 people were affected as of 26 July. In a statement of 31 July 2021, the country’s Directorate General of Civil Protection said 26,532 people have now been affected.

Niger regularly sees flooding during the rainy season (June-September). Last year more than 70 people died and over 600,000 were affected by floods in the country.

Floods in Niger, July 2020. Photo: OCHA Niger

Social Media