Severe flooding in Mauritania kills 5, risk of outbreak of waterborne diseases

Heavy rainfall affecting Mauritania since August 25, 2019, resulted in extreme flooding in parts of the country, claiming the lives of at least 5 people.

Reports stated that the fatalities were recorded in Selibaby City in Guidimaka Region.

Houses and establishments were engulfed in waters after intense rains measuring 200 mm (7.9 inches) hit the said area. Moreover, the bridge linking Selibaby CIty to West Mauritania was also destroyed. Roads were also left in ruins.

Several areas of Sélibaby City (Guidimaka Region) are still underwater, while a bridge that connects Sélibaby to the western part of the country has been damaged.

There is now a risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases in the areas affected by the flooding.

The southern part of Mauritania is forecasted to experience heavy to very heavy rainfalls from August 29 to August 30, 2019.

Featured image: Jiddou Mohamed @JiddouMohamed9