Niger’s 2024 Flood Disasters: A Report on Human and Structural Impact

Niger’s flooding in 2024 claimed approximately 396 lives and affected over 1.5 million people, with severe damage to infrastructure and homes. The catastrophic weather events were linked to climate change, resulting in the delay of the school year and the destruction of significant cultural sites.

In 2024, Niger experienced catastrophic flooding that resulted in the deaths of approximately 396 individuals and significantly impacted over 1.5 million citizens. This toll was reported by the Interior Minister, Mohamed Toumba, who indicated that an additional 405 individuals sustained injuries, and more than 200,000 households were affected, totaling 1,526,653 people.

The severe flooding was primarily attributed to exceptionally intense rainfall which occurred from June to September of the previous year. Climate change, driven by human fossil fuel emissions, has been identified as a contributing factor to the increasing severity of extreme weather events such as torrential rains and droughts.

Regions particularly impacted by the floods include the southern areas of Dosso, Maradi, and Zinder, along with the western Tahoua region. Notable damages occurred in Agadez, where the UNESCO-listed old town and its historic Grand Mosque were affected. The rains led to significant infrastructure issues, with the capital, Niamey, experiencing temporary isolation due to damaged roads.

The rains of the previous year caused extensive destruction, encompassing over 158,000 homes and the loss of 31,000 livestock. The disaster’s repercussions forced the military junta to postpone the school year by nearly a month to October 28, as many schools were repurposed as temporary shelters for the displaced population.

The floods in Niger in 2024 highlighted the severe effects of climate change and extreme weather patterns, leading to tragic loss of life and significant disruptions to infrastructure and education. The government’s acknowledgment of the impact underscores the urgent need for effective disaster management and climate adaptation strategies.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com