Rains in Niger: 24 dead and more than 50,000 victims since June

The heavy rains that have been falling in Niger since June have claimed 24 lives and more than 50,000 victims, the authorities of this country with a usually very dry climate said Thursday, August 4.

A total of 24 people died, including 13 in the collapse of their homes and 11 by drowning, while 54,653 others were affected, according to figures from the Civil Protection services communicated to AFP.

At least 36 injured were also counted by these services.

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A previous official report of July 20 reported 15 dead and more than 23,600 victims.

The most affected regions are those of Zinder (center-east), Maradi (center-south) and Diffa (south-east).

The capital, Niamey, usually more affected by rains and floods, is spared for the moment.

In the affected areas, the rains destroyed or damaged more than 5,800 homes and caused the collapse of classrooms, health care centres, granaries and shops.

Despite its short duration of three to four months - between June and August or September - the rainy season has become deadly in recent years, including in the northern desert areas.

In 2021, heavy rains had killed at least 70 people and claimed more than 200,000 victims, according to the authorities and the UN.

In this poor country with a very dry climate, bad harvests are usually due to drought.

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