Niger ups flood toll to 339 dead, more than 1 million affected

INA-  sources


Torrential rains in Niger have left 339 people dead and more than 1.1 million displaced since June, state media reported Tuesday, updating a previous toll.

Niger’s interior minister last month stated at least 273 were dead and more than 700,000 affected as extreme weather slammed the Sahel nation.

As of Sept 23, the floods had impacted more than 1.1 million people, resulting in 339 fatalities and leaving another 383 injured, state news agency ANP said Tuesday, quoting the country’s civil protection agency.

Areas throughout the country were affected, including the capital Niamey, where nine people had died.

Due to the damage to schools and number of displaced families, the government postponed the start of the school year to the end of October.
Normally lasting from June to September, Niger’s rainy season often exacts a heavy toll, with 195 people dying in 2022.
Scientists have long warned that climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions is making extreme weather events such as floods more frequent, intense and longer-lasting.