Recent days, the coastal country of Senegal in West Africa has been suffering from severe torrential rain and sudden floods, leading to flooding disasters in the capital Dakar and several other areas, resulting in casualties and widespread disruption of transportation.
According to media reports, the capital Dakar, the northeastern city of Matam, and the southern town of Kaolack are among the hardest-hit areas. The heavy rainfall has caused the drainage systems in many cities to operate beyond capacity, resulting in residential areas and roads being submerged, causing transportation paralysis.
Data from the Senegalese Meteorological Agency (ANACIM) shows that in the past 24 hours, the suburbs of Rufisque and Ranerou in Matam region recorded rainfall of up to 142 millimeters, while the Yoff area in Dakar recorded extremely heavy rainfall of 138 millimeters.
According to official statements from the country’s Ministry of the Interior and local media reports, the torrential rain and floods have led to at least 5 deaths in different areas, with many others reported injured. Among them, a mother and her child in the Parcelles Assainies district of Dakar lost their lives due to their house being flooded; casualties were also reported in the northeastern town of Matam; and buildings collapsed in the southern town of Kaolack during the heavy rain.
Prime Minister of Senegal, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, has warned that there will be continued heavy rainfall in the coming days, urging the public to remain vigilant and stating that if the floodwaters do not recede, the start of the new school term scheduled for this week may be delayed.
Additionally, the sudden floods have posed a significant challenge to the country’s infrastructure and disaster relief efforts, as well as presenting a serious obstacle to the preparations for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics scheduled to open at the end of this month.