Deadly floods hit Niger as rainy season begins

At least 14 people have died after heavy rains on June 13 and 14, 2017 caused severe damage and flooding in several parts of West African country of Niger. The country's rainy season lasts from June to September and peaks in July and August.

Heavy rains that started affecting parts of Niger on June 13 caused severe damage and flooding, mainly in the capital Niamey, and the region of Tillabéri. Flooding was also reported in the Maradi and Zinder regions.

According to government sources, at least 14 people have died, 456 households have been affected and as many as 395 homes have collapsed as a result of heavy rain and floods.

According to the AFP, the casualties include at least 9 children who died after several houses collapsed in the capital Niamey. One mother told local television how three of her four children had been killed as they sheltered from the downpour by the wall of a neighboring house.

The heavy rains also devastated one of the main markets in the city center. Two Niger television channels, Tele-Sahel and Tal-TV, were knocked off air during the evening hours of June 13 after their studios were flooded.

ECHO said nearly 500 affected families are in need of emergency assistance in terms of shelter, non-food items, drinking water and sanitation.

Based on weather forecasts, the estimated number of people at risk in flood-prone areas has recently increased to 157 000 with a heightened risk of water and sanitation-related illnesses.

Featured image: Torrential rains hit Saga neighborhood of Niamey, Niger. Copyright Anadolu Images