Mali: Severe flooding in Bamako May 16

Event

Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in several parts of the capital Bamako on Thursday, May 16. Some 14 cm (5.5 in) of rain fell in the morning (local time). At least 16 people have been killed and several others injured. Numerous houses have been destroyed and transportation disruptions as well electricity cuts reported. Rain is likely to continue in the coming days, raising concerns of further flooding, infrastructural damage, and landslides.

Advice

Individuals in Bamako are advised to monitor developments to the situation and anticipate transportation disruptions. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwaters may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwaters should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.