Niger’s 2024 Floods: 400 Lives Lost and 1.5 Million Affected

Niger’s 2024 floods resulted in 396 deaths and affected over 1.5 million people, according to Interior Minister Mohamed Toumba. The floods were fueled by extreme rainfall, worsened by climate change, particularly affecting multiple regions across the country. Damage included the destruction of homes and historical sites, necessitating delays in the academic year and illustrating the severe effects of climate extremes in the Sahel.

In 2024, Niger experienced devastating floods that resulted in approximately 396 fatalities and impacted over 1.5 million individuals. The toll was confirmed by the Interior Minister, Mohamed Toumba, who reported that 405 additional individuals sustained injuries, with over 200,000 households affected, representing a total of 1,526,653 people.

The floods were instigated by exceptionally torrential rains, the worst of which occurred between June and September of the previous year. Scientists attribute the escalation in severe weather events to climate change influenced by man-made fossil fuel emissions. The ensuing drought conditions in Africa’s Sahel region have further intensified the flooding, undermining the soil’s ability to absorb rainwater effectively.

Parts of Niger recorded rainfall levels up to 200 percent higher than previous years, particularly in the southern regions of Dosso, Maradi, Zinder, and the western area of Tahoua. Historic sites in Agadez, including the UNESCO-listed old town and Grand Mosque, suffered significant damage. The 19th-century mosque in Zinder, a prominent tourist attraction, collapsed due to rainfall impact.

The capital city, Niamey, was temporarily isolated due to road damage from the rains. The extensive destruction of schools, which had been repurposed as shelters for displaced individuals, necessitated the military junta to postpone the academic year until October 28. Furthermore, last year’s torrential rains resulted in the destruction of over 158,000 homes and the loss of approximately 31,000 livestock.

The 2024 floods in Niger have left a profound impact on the nation’s population, with nearly 400 lives lost and millions affected. These events highlight the dire consequences of climate change, which is exacerbating extreme weather patterns. The government’s response included postponing the school year due to extensive damage and displacement caused by the floods. Such disasters underscore the urgent need for strategic measures to combat climate-related threats in the region.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com