More than 800 homes destroyed by floods in Mali

Floods brought by heavy storms during late August 2019 has caused extensive damage in Mali, West Africa, reports on September 9, 2019 stated.

Thousands of residents were left homeless as the raging waters destroyed more than 800 residential properties, authorities said.

The floodwater formed after harsh rains continued from August 24, 2019, up to several days more.

The worst-hit areas of Mali were Koulikoro, Timbuktu, Kidal, Mopti, and Menaka.

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS), at least 1 729 households and 6 474 residents were severely affected by the flood.

Aside from the property damages, the victims also suffer from loss of livelihoods as food stocks were also swept by waters.

Reports said the homeless victims are now taking refuge in schools and host families.

Just a few months ago, on May 16, 2019, about 14 people were killed in a deadly flash flood that slammed Bamako.

In the neighboring country Niger, over 40 fatalities were reported after intense flooding attacked the area.

Locals from Nigeria, Mauritania, Algeria, Morocco, and the Central African Republic also experienced the struggle that came with heavy floods.

Featured image credit: Islamic Relief