Niger – Floods in Niamey and Tillabéri Leave 14 Dead, Hundreds of Homes Destroyed

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Niger says that heavy rain between 13 and 14 June, 2017, caused severe damage and flooding in several parts of the country, with Niamey and Tillabéri the most severely affected.

Quoting government sources from 16 June, OCHA says that at least 14 people have died in the floods. A total of 456 households have been affected. The UN says that as many as 395 homes have collapsed as a result of the floods and heavy rain.

Eleven of the fatalities occurred in the capital, Niamey where 411 households (3,054 people) have been affected. The UN says that a site has been identified by the authorities for the temporary relocation of the affected people, where clean water, hygiene and sanitation will be provided.

Three deaths were also reported in the Tillabéri region. Around 45 houses have been destroyed and more than 300 people affected.

Floods have also been reported in the Maradi and Zinder regions.

According to WMO figures, Niamey recorded 125.3 mm of rain in 24 hours to 14 June 2017.

The UN report added that seasonal forecasts suggest this year’s rainfall will be above normal in several localities in Niger. The regions of Tahoua, Tillabéri, Dosso, Niamey and parts of Agadez will be the most affected, with an estimated 157,000 people at risk.

Flooding affected wide areas of the country last year. By July, 11 people had died and thousands of homes destroyed. UNOCHA says that in total, flooding in Niger in 2016 affected 145,932 people, with 40 people killed and 49 wounded.