heavy rains

Heavy rains in Botswana kill seven, displace many

Africa /

Severe flash floods have devastated Botswana, leaving at least seven dead, including three children. Thousands have been displaced as days of relentless rainfall caused widespread destruction across the country. President Duma Boko addressed the nation on Saturday, confirming the casualties and the scale of the disaster. In a somber televised statement, he assured citizens that efforts would continue to prevent further damage. “The situation remains critical, but we are working tirelessly to reduce the impact,” Boko said. Over 1,700 people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas, seeking safety from the rising waters. In the capital city, Gaborone, a local dam overflowed, leading to the destruction of homes and businesses. Cars were swept away, and the streets were submerged, prompting a swift response from emergency crews bracing for more heavy rain in the coming days. Authorities have shut down schools and blocked major roads to safeguard the public. Disaster management officials pointed to inadequate drainage systems as a significant factor in the flooding, particularly in the low-lying areas most affected. Boko emphasized the need for long-term solutions to prevent such tragedies. “We must reevaluate our infrastructure to ensure it can withstand both floods and droughts,” he stated, urging national-level reforms to better prepare for future challenges.

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Torrential rains isolate Niamey from the rest of the country

Africa /

In the village of N’Dounga Tarey, located about fifteen kilometers from Niamey, the impact of the heavy rains from a week ago is still evident. The village has seen its homes reduced to rubble, and resident Idrissa Issoufou Souley surveys the damage. “In N’Dounga Tarey, over 12 houses have collapsed due to the heavy rains. Although there were no casualties, we have suffered significant material damage to our homes, millet fields, and rice fields,” said Souley. The main road to Niamey has been severed, with two other roads completely submerged. This has isolated Niamey, cutting off not only internal connections but also essential supplies like fuel. “Since Sunday, all routes have been blocked, including supply routes, because the Niamey depot is on the Sorey plateau. At Sorey Ganda, the bridge was submerged and impassable. It is a situation of force majeure, but Sonidep has been actively working to supply the country,” explained Maazou Aboubacar Oumani, Commercial Director of SONIDEP. There have been long queues at the few gas stations still with fuel, and people are struggling to fill their tanks. Fuel has been unavailable for four days. “Since 1 p.m., I haven’t been able to get any fuel and have had to park my vehicle. We urge the government to find a solution for fuel supply. We are enduring hardships,” said taxi driver Chamsou Moussa Oumarou. Authorities recently managed to restore this route to enable resupply to the capital. “This restoration is a relief for the people of Kollo and Niamey. Traffic was halted for over a week, and we faced significant difficulties. There was no passage between Niamey and Kollo due to the heavy rains,” noted Aissatou Harouna Faran Maiga, the mayor of Kollo. Since June, floods in Niger have resulted in nearly 200 deaths and substantial material damage. The heavy rains have also led to shortages of various goods due to deteriorated roads.

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