Torrential rains in Niger have killed 23 people and injured 21 others so far this year, according to the commander of the national fire brigade.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ali Abdoul Azize told reporters on Thursday that the floods have destroyed 3,615 houses and forced 5,855 households from their homes, leaving more than 42,000 people affected.
He urged the public to take precautions, including avoiding waterways during downpours, not blocking drainage systems, and steering clear of makeshift shelters or areas prone to collapse.
Niger faces seasonal floods each year, but the scale of damage varies. In 2024, heavy rains killed nearly 400 people and displaced more than 200,000 households, affecting over 1.5 million people and destroying close to 160,000 homes.
The latest figures highlight how fragile housing, poor drainage, and rapid urban growth continue to leave communities exposed to climate shocks in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Relief agencies say further storms could worsen the humanitarian toll as the rainy season continues.
Source: newsghana.com.gh
