In 2024, Niger experienced devastating floods resulting in nearly 400 deaths and affecting over 1.5 million people. The floods were caused by extreme rainfall linked to climate change, impacting several regions and leading to significant infrastructure damage, including schools. The situation necessitates immediate attention to address the climate crisis and disaster preparedness.
In 2024, floods in Niger resulted in nearly 400 fatalities and adversely affected over 1.5 million individuals due to exceptionally heavy rainfall from the previous year. Interior Minister Mohamed Toumba reported that the floods caused 396 deaths and left 405 people injured, affecting more than 200,000 households, totaling 1,526,653 affected individuals.
The severity of these floods has been linked to climate change, driven by anthropogenic fossil fuel emissions, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as torrential rains and droughts. The Sahel region, already experiencing severe droughts, struggles with flooding as the affected dry soil fails to absorb moisture effectively.
The violent rainy season from June to September last year impacted regions as far north as Agadez, where UNESCO-listed historic sites sustained damage. Some areas reported up to 200 percent more rainfall than usual, particularly in the southern regions of Dosso, Maradi, Zinder, and the western region of Tahoua.
Zinder faced severe damage, with a historical mosque collapsing, impacting one of the country’s most frequented sites beyond the famous Agadez Mosque. The capital, Niamey, also experienced road damage, temporarily isolating it from the rest of the nation.
Furthermore, the destruction of schools and their use as shelters for displaced individuals prompted the military junta to postpone the school year until October 28. The floods decimated over 158,000 homes and claimed the lives of 31,000 livestock, significantly affecting the communities across the nation.
The 2024 floods in Niger have had catastrophic effects, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread displacement. Climate change exacerbates weather extremes, leading to severe consequences for vulnerable regions like the Sahel. The damage inflicted on infrastructure, particularly schools, has disrupted education, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
