Niger: Heavy rains cause flooding across Niamey September 9

Event

Heavy rains have caused flooding across Niamey as of Wednesday, September 9. Rising water levels of the Niger River breached the dyke in Lamordé on Sunday, September 6, causing flooding in the area and inundating thousands of houses in the districts of Nogare, and Saga. The districts of Bana Bana, Karadje, Kirkissoye, and Saguia were also affected. A number of roads in the affected areas have also been rendered impassable. Authorities have announced that relief operations in the area are being launched.

Disruptions to transportation, business, and utilities are likely.

Context

Flooding can pose a major hazard during the wet season, which generally runs from June to October. During this period, flash floods can occur with no notice and inundate roads and wash away poorly constructed buildings. During the 2019 rainy season, more than 50 people were killed and another 211,366 affected as torrential rainfall lashed Niger. The country's worst episode of flooding was reported during the 2012 rainy season when 92 people were killed and 530,000 displaced nationwide. Roads, including in urban centres, are often rendered impassable due to floodwaters, hampering disaster response efforts as well as hindering overland movements. Vulnerable communities along Niger's main rivers have historically been loath to relocate and authorities lack the means and funds to effectively mitigate the impact of future flooding. In addition, changes in rain patterns since the 1990s in the Sahel region, including Niger, have pointed to consistently above-average rainfall, most likely resulting in more frequent flooding.

Advice

Individuals in Niamey are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.