Niger’s 2024 Floods Result in Devastating Toll: 400 Deaths and 1.5 Million Affected

Niger’s floods in 2024 resulted in approximately 400 deaths and affected over 1.5 million people due to excessive rainfall. The disaster has been linked to climate change, significantly worsening the impact of the floods in various regions. Notably, vital infrastructure, including homes, schools, and historic sites, were severely damaged, prompting delays in the school year.

In 2024, Niger experienced devastating floods that resulted in the loss of nearly 400 lives and affected over 1.5 million individuals. The Interior Minister, Mohamed Toumba, reported a total of 396 fatalities and 405 injuries due to these floods, alongside severe disruptions affecting more than 200,000 households.

The floods were attributed to an exceptionally extreme rainy season, a situation exacerbated by climate change. Scientists have emphasized that human-induced fossil fuel emissions contribute to increasing occurrences of extreme weather, which usually leads to intensified rainfall and severe droughts in the Sahel region. The drought conditions have rendered the soil less absorbent, worsening flooding incidents.

The historic city of Agadez, recognized for its UNESCO-listed old town and 16th-century Grand Mosque, sustained damage during the flooding. Areas like Dosso, Maradi, Zinder, and Tahoua were significantly impacted, with the city of Zinder suffering the collapse of its 19th-century mud brick mosque, a prominent tourist attraction. Additionally, the capital Niamey was temporarily cut off due to road damage from the excessive rainfall.

The flooding resulted in the destruction of over 158,000 homes and the loss of 31,000 livestock. The condition of schools, many of which were repurposed as shelters for the displaced, led the military junta to postpone the school year’s commencement until October 28. This delay reflected the broader impacts of the disaster on educational infrastructure and community stability.

In summary, Niger’s 2024 floods caused significant human and material losses, with nearly 400 fatalities and 1.5 million individuals affected. The extreme weather patterns resulting from climate change exacerbated flooding in the Sahel region, further challenging the local infrastructure. The situation necessitates urgent attention to help affected communities and mitigate future disasters.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com