National flood disaster declared in Mali, nearly 30 000 buildings destroyed
Mali has reported around 374 flood incidents in 2024 since the start of flood season. Significant flooding has been observed in the region since July, causing extensive damage, collapsing almost 30 000 buildings, and claiming at least 64 lives as of September 16.
Image credit: Eugene Djoko
By September 9, floods in Mali had worsened across 19 regions, and by September 16, the country had reported at least 374 flooding incidents. Since the flood season began in July, 29 644 buildings have collapsed nationwide.
In response to the escalating crisis, the government declared a National Flood Disaster on August 23. As of September 16, the floods have claimed 64 lives and left 118 people injured.
The floods have affected approximately 179 949 people, with the worst-hit regions being Ségou, where 39 245 people have been impacted, Timbuktu with 36 317 affected, Gao with 19 238, Bamako with 17 127, and Mopti with 1 782 people affected.
The flood season started early this year, with heavy flooding impacting Mali since July. The widespread floods have caused extensive damage, displacing thousands of people across the region. In response, 93 schools are now serving as shelters for those affected. The floods have not only destroyed numerous homes but also devastated livestock and crops throughout the country.
UNICEF estimates that approximately 343 909 people are currently at risk, including 185 711 children. So far, around 33 118 people in the flood-affected regions of Mopti, Ségou, Bandiagara, Gao, Kayes, Kita, and Sikasso have received emergency Non-Food Item kits, which include supplies like heavy-duty tents and water tanks. Additionally, about 2 000 people have been provided with drinking water through emergency water trucking services.
References:
1 UNICEF Mali Seasonal floods Flash Update No. 1 – UNICEF – September 16, 2024
2 Mali – Floods – DG Echo – September 17, 2024
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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