Niger’s government has announced a delay in the start of the new school year due to severe flooding caused by heavy rains. The country, which has been experiencing torrential downpours since June, has seen widespread damage, leading to the postponement of the school year from October 2 to October 28 for nearly 4.5 million students.
The floods have ravaged parts of central and west Africa, with Niger being particularly affected. Hundreds of thousands of people have been impacted, and many schools are either damaged or being used as shelters for displaced families. In the Maradi region, which has been hit hardest, around 100 tents have been set up to house those affected by the floods.
According to the most recent figures from Niger’s interior ministry, 273 people have lost their lives, with 121 drowning and 152 dying in house collapses. Over 700,000 people have been affected by the extreme weather.
To aid the flood victims, the government has distributed more than 9,700 tonnes of grain to eight flood-affected regions, and officials have reassured the public that the situation is under control.
In addition to the human toll, the flooding has caused the collapse of a historic mosque in Zinder, Niger’s second-largest city. There are also concerns about potential damage to Agadez, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The rainy season, which usually lasts from June to September, often brings destruction to Niger. Last year, 195 people died due to similar conditions. Climate scientists have long warned that extreme weather events, like these floods, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
