Flooding in Niger: Nearly 400 dead and over a million people affected by 2024

Devastating floods in 2024

In 2024, flooding caused by exceptional rainfall claimed almost 400 lives and affected more than one and a half million people in Niger, according to the final toll announced by the authorities. Niger’s Minister of the Interior, General Mohamed Toumba, said that 396 people lost their lives and over 200,000 households, or 1,526,653 people, were affected.

Considerable humanitarian impact

The bad weather also left 405 people injured, as the Minister pointed out on World Civil Protection Day. The floods had devastating consequences, affecting even the desert regions in the north of the country, and threatening historic sites such as the Agadez mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some areas recorded up to 200% more rain than in previous years.

The regions most affected

The regions most affected by flooding are Maradi (south-central), Tahoua (west), Zinder (east-central) and Dosso (south-west). In Zinder, flooding even led to the collapse of a 200-year-old mosque. The capital Niamey was temporarily cut off from the rest of the country due to road damage.

Disruptions in education and agriculture

The destruction of schools and the occupation of these facilities by thousands of displaced persons forced the government to postpone the start of the new school year until October 28, instead of October 2 as originally planned. In addition, over 158,000 houses were destroyed and 31,000 head of livestock decimated. The floods also devastated crops, exacerbating the effects of climate change in a country where water is generally a scarce resource.

Humanitarian aid in response to disasters

The authorities have set up humanitarian assistance for the victims, including the distribution of cereals, mosquito nets, blankets and tents. This tragic situation echoes the recurrent flooding seen in recent years, exacerbated by climate change.

Conclusion

The floods of 2024 in Niger left significant human and material scars. Faced with the persistence of this phenomenon linked to climate change, the country faces growing challenges in meeting the needs of affected populations and protecting its infrastructure and environment.