From Niger is the report that nine persons lost their lives while 2,000 homes were destroyed as a result of heavy flooding that wrecked havoc in the country.
The Interior Ministry said the flood affected at least 20,000 people, adding that the Southwestern Dosso region, Central-South Maradi and Tahoua as well as Tillaberi in the west were worst hit.
Niger, one of the world’s driest as well as poorest countries, often experiences intense rainy seasons, which typically last two or three months.
The authorities announced early this month that more than 300,000 people were at risk from flooding by the Niger River and from rainwater runoff since heavy rains began in June.
Fifty-seven people died last year and more than 200,000 others were affected by floods that struck the capital Niamey and the country’s desert north.
The interior ministry warned the people not to take shelter in ruined houses, and to also avoid building houses in flood-prone areas.
