Senegal floods kill several as heavy rains hit Dakar

Torrential rains have flooded parts of Dakar and other regions of Senegal, killing several people, damaging infrastructure and disrupting transport.

Heavy rains flood Dakar

Severe rainfall over the weekend left several parts of Dakar underwater on Monday, with floodwaters disrupting movement across the capital and surrounding areas. Some rainfall stations recorded more than 100mm over 48 hours.

Several people killed

The Ministry of Interior confirmed deaths and injuries linked to the flooding. In Dakar’s Parcelles Assainies district, a 25-year-old woman and her four-year-old son died after a wall collapsed and floodwater entered their home.

Buildings collapse in Matam

In the northern city of Matam, one person was killed and two others injured after a structure collapsed during heavy rainfall. Authorities are also assessing the circumstances of another building collapse in Kaolack.

Roads and transport affected

Flooding has severely disrupted transportation in Dakar. The main highway linking the capital with its suburbs was cut in places, while several neighbourhoods were left difficult to access because of standing water.

Infrastructure suffers damage

The heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage to roads, buildings and other infrastructure. Some areas received rainfall totals exceeding 140mm in a single day, overwhelming drainage systems and creating dangerous conditions.

More rain expected

Authorities have warned that additional heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days. Residents have been urged to avoid flooded roads and buildings that may have been weakened by the storms.

Government steps up response

Prime Minister Ahmadou Alhaminou Lo held an emergency meeting on Monday to coordinate the government’s response. A regional emergency plan has been activated in Dakar, while a monitoring committee has been established to follow developments.

Rescue operations continue

Emergency services have been deployed to affected communities to assist residents, assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. Authorities said the casualty figures remain provisional as rescue and assessment operations continue.

Youth Olympics approach

The flooding comes just weeks before Senegal hosts the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to begin on October 31. The disruption has raised additional concerns about infrastructure and transportation ahead of the major international event.

President offers condolences

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed condolences to families affected by the floods and said the government was mobilising to strengthen monitoring and emergency measures in vulnerable areas.