Senegal – Thousands Displaced by Floods in Dakar and Kaolack Regions

At least 6 people have died and over 4,000 displaced after flooding in Senegal.

Floods in Senegal, September 2019. Photo: Senegal Red Cross

The International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported on 02 October, 2019, that over almost 9,000 people have been affected and around 4,500 displaced by flooding and heavy rain in Senegal.

IFRC said that heavy rainfall from 10 to 17 September caused extensive damages in Rufisque and Guédiawaye departments in Dakar Region and Kaolack department in Kaolack Region

Six deaths were reported in Dakar Region, where 4 died as a result of lightning strikes and 2 from drowning in flood waters. Almost 50 people were also injured.

According to IFRC figures, a total of 500 households (around 4,500 people) have been displaced, including 136 households in Kaolack Region and 364 households in Dakar Region.

Furthermore, the flooding has led to widespread destruction of livelihoods, as farms fields have been washed away.