Exceptionally heavy rains in 2024 triggered devastating floods in Niger, killing nearly 400 people and affecting more than 1.5 million, government confirmed on Saturday. Interior Minister Mohamed Toumba reported that floods claimed 396 lives, injured 405 individuals, and displaced over 200,000 households, impacting a total of 1,526,653 people.
Rainy season, which lasted from June to September, brought unprecedented downpours, even in the arid northern regions near Sahara. Severe droughts in Sahel region had already weakened the soil’s ability to absorb water, worsening the impact of floods. Extreme weather caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and historical sites across the country.
In Agadez, UNESCO-listed historic old town and its iconic 16th-century Grand Mosque suffered significant damage. Heavy rains also led to collapse of a 19th-century mud-brick mosque in Zinder, one of most visited sites in the region. Southern areas, including Dosso, Maradi, and Zinder, along with western region of Tahoua, faced worst effects, with rainfall reaching up to 200 percent above average levels.
Niamey, experienced severe disruptions as floodwaters temporarily cut off road access, isolating the city from rest of the country. Schools also bore the brunt of disaster, with many converted into shelters for displaced residents. As a result, military junta postponed the school year’s start to October 28.
Also Read: Rainfall Lashes Parts of the Country, Bringing Relief and Refreshing Change
Floods in Niger Devastated Livelihoods
Beyond displacing families, floods devastated livelihoods by destroying homes and killing livestock. Authorities reported that over 158,000 houses were wiped out, while approximately 31,000 livestock perished. These losses deepened the economic hardship for thousands of Nigeriens who depend on agriculture and animal husbandry for survival.
Experts warn that climate change is fueling the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Torrential rains and catastrophic flooding highlight the growing threat posed by global warming, with man-made fossil fuel emissions likely exacerbating crisis. Niger, already struggling with food insecurity and economic instability, now faces further challenges in rebuilding and supporting affected communities.
2024 floods serve as a stark reminder of urgent need for climate adaptation strategies, improved infrastructure, and international support to mitigate the impact of future disasters. Without decisive action, Niger and other vulnerable nations may continue to suffer from worsening consequences of climate change.