4 500 people displaced, 6 killed as widespread floods hit Senegal

Widespread floods affected nearly 9 000 people in Senegal over the past 20 days. 4 500 were displaced, 6 killed and 49 injured, IFRC reports. Extensive damage was reported in Rufisque and Guédiawaye departments in Dakar Region and Kaolack department in Kaolack Region. 

The rains started on September 10 and continued through 17^th but by 15^th and 16^th, the cumulated floodwaters started causing widespread flooding in Dakar and Kaolack regions.

The flooding has led to widespread destruction of livelihoods, as farms fields have been washed away, IFRC said.

The Senegalese Red Cross Society (SRCS) in collaboration with local authorities conducted a rapid assessment on September 17. The results of this initial assessment revealed that 8 919 people, or 991 households, have been affected and are in a precarious situation. 

6 deaths have been reported in Dakar. 4 people died after being struck by lightning, and 2 drowned. Kaolack reported no deaths.

About 4 500 people are still displaced in both affected regions and are most vulnerable at this time. That's 500 households or 50.4% of all affected people. 

The most affected people are women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities who are now being sheltered in schools with limited access to essential services. 

The most urgent needs are water, hygiene, and sanitation.

Risks for water-borne diseases like malaria, diarrhea, and dermatitis are also high due to limited access to drinking water and sanitation, as well as appropriate sanitation facilities.

The flood-affected areas are particularly prone to malaria and other water-borne diseases since populations cohabit with sewage and stagnant water that have been there since the previous years.

Displaced people are accommodated in temporary collective shelters (schools) as well as in unfinished houses while the duration of the displacement/situation is unknown based on the continuation of the rains. 

Featured image credit: Djamil B.