Several killed as heavy rains trigger flooding across Senegal
Heavy rains and flash floods have killed several people in Senegal, while causing widespread damage to roads and other infrastructure.
Parts of the capital, Dakar, were left underwater on Monday. Other areas of the country were also affected by the severe weather.
Senegal’s Interior Ministry confirmed that several people were killed or injured, according to Africanews and agencies.
Among the victims were a 25-year-old woman and her four-year-old child. They died after a wall collapsed in Matam.
Heavy rains cause flooding in Senegal
Some areas recorded more than 140 millimetres of rain in a single day.
The intense rainfall caused flash flooding and disrupted transportation. Infrastructure was also damaged in several affected areas.
Authorities have warned that more rainfall could hit Senegal in the coming days.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed his condolences to the families of those who died.
He said the government was fully mobilised and working to increase vigilance in areas exposed to further flooding.
Flooding comes ahead of Youth Olympics
The flooding comes just weeks before Senegal is due to host the Youth Olympic Games.
The event is scheduled to begin on October 31.
The heavy rainfall has raised concerns over infrastructure and transportation as preparations for the international sporting event continue.
However, the available reporting does not indicate that the Youth Olympics have been postponed or that the flooding has affected the event’s schedule.
Authorities are continuing to monitor conditions as forecasts point to further rain.