Senegal is facing widespread flooding after intense rainfall battered Dakar and several other parts of the country over the weekend, leaving people dead and injured while damaging homes, roads and other infrastructure.
The flooding has disrupted movement in parts of the capital and exposed weaknesses in drainage systems as authorities prepare for the possibility of additional rainfall in the coming days. The situation comes just weeks before Senegal is scheduled to host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, beginning on October 31.
Deaths Reported in Several Areas
Senegal’s Ministry of Interior and Public Security confirmed that the heavy rains had resulted in deaths and injuries, particularly in Dakar and the northeastern region of Matam.
In Dakar’s Parcelles Assainies district, local reports said a 25-year-old mother and her four-year-old son died after floodwater entered their home following the collapse of a wall.
Another fatal incident was reported in Matam, where a structure collapsed in the Gourel Serigne area during heavy rainfall. One person was killed and two others were injured, according to Senegal’s official press agency, APS. Authorities are also assessing a building collapse reported in Kaolack.
Officials stressed that the casualty figures remain provisional and could change as emergency teams continue assessing affected communities.
More Rain Could Worsen the Situation
The country’s weather agency, ANACIM, recorded exceptionally high rainfall totals in some locations.
Rufisque, near Dakar, received 142 millimetres of rain within 24 hours, while the Yoff district of Dakar recorded 138 millimetres over the same period. Similar heavy rainfall was recorded in Ranerou in the Matam region.
Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Amine Lo warned that further rainfall was likely on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, raising concerns that already flooded communities could face additional difficulties if water levels fail to fall.
The government has also indicated that the beginning of the new school year could be affected if flooding remains severe.
Government Activates Emergency Response
Following an emergency meeting on Monday, the Senegalese government announced measures aimed at strengthening the response to the floods and assisting affected residents.
The prime minister ordered the activation of the regional emergency plan for Dakar, while authorities established a monitoring committee to track developments and coordinate government agencies involved in the response.
Officials are paying particular attention to major roads, drainage and water-catchment areas, as well as water and electricity infrastructure that could be affected by the flooding.
The government also said funds would be made available for emergency assistance, while relief efforts would include support for people whose homes and livelihoods have been affected.
Rescue and Assessment Operations Continue
Emergency services and local authorities have been mobilised across the affected areas. Firefighters and territorial administrators have been instructed to strengthen rescue operations, assess damage and assist residents in vulnerable communities.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly around flooded roads and buildings that may have been weakened by the heavy rainfall.
The flooding has also caused significant traffic disruptions in Dakar and surrounding communities, with large volumes of water accumulating on roads and in residential areas.
Flooding Raises Concerns Ahead of Youth Olympics
The latest flooding presents an additional challenge for Senegal as the country prepares to welcome athletes and visitors for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games later this month.
The event is scheduled to begin on October 31, meaning the authorities have only a few weeks to address any infrastructure problems caused by the rains and ensure that key roads and public facilities remain accessible.
For now, government officials say the situation remains under close observation, with the number of casualties and extent of damage still subject to further assessment.
With more rain forecast, emergency agencies are maintaining their response while authorities continue to warn residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.
