Torrential rains in Niger kill 15 more people
Africa
By
AFP
| Sep 02, 2024
Torrential rains in Niger have killed at least 15 more people, regional authorities said on Sunday, the latest casualties of the downpours lashing the African nation.
Heavy rains have been drenching Africa's Sahel region since June and the latest victims in Niger come on top of at least 217 people who have died across the country in that time, according to authorities.
More than 350,000 people have="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001460857/nigeria-floods-80-times-more-likely-with-climate-change#google_vignette"> been affected and last week<="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001460857/nigeria-floods-80-times-more-likely-with-climate-change#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <rising floodwaters nearly cut off the capital Niamey from the rest of the country before retreating.
READ MORE
Finance Act 2023 was illegally enacted, Azimio and 40 groups tell court
AG, Treasury plead with apex court to allow Ruto collect tax
Relief for Ruto as court unlocks Finance Act 2023
Empty promises crush dreams of KCSE star to pursue medicine course
Fuel prices remain unchanged as regulator ignores court ruling on VAT
Confusion rocks tax payment after ruling on Finance Act 2023
Tough options for Ruto after court blow to Finance Act 2023
Eastern DR Congo buffeted by fresh flareups with ADF, M23 rebels
Ruto hangs on Uhuru's law to raise funds after court's big blow
Experts weigh in on Court of Appeal ruling on 2023 Finance Bill
The latest deaths occurred on Friday in the city of Maradi, the country's economic capital whose eponymous region has been one of the areas most affected by the rains.
"We have registered 15 human lives lost, we have also registered injured and heavy material damage", regional governor Issoufou Mamane told public television.
Friday saw 150 millimetres (six inches) of water fall on ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/world/article/2000015868/heavy-rains-kill-100-in-west-africa-threaten-crops">the city in the space< of 90 minutes, local television said.
Images broadcast on television showed water racing through the streets, touching off landslides and collapsing homes as it carried off cars, motorcycles and trees.
Drinking water and electricity supplies have been affected in some areas, according to broadcasters.
The downpours have also disturbed traffic on the main route linking Maradi to the city of Zinder.
Niger's rainy season normally lasts from June to September and consistently brings a heavy death toll.
In 2022 there were 195 deaths and 400,000 people affected.
- With the looming Ruto-Raila party, focus shifts from Mt Kenya region
- Civil societies defend Ford Foundation after Ruto offensive
- Saving the Mau: Landmark ruling that boosted conservation
- State question after Coast Gen Z protests infiltrated by blood-thirsty gangs
- Sugarcane farmers accuse AFA of 'siding with cartels' as prices drop