Floods
Thousands have been affected by flooding in more than 40 neighbourhoods across Senegal, including 21 Dakar suburbs according to the Senegalese fire rescue services. AFP has reported at least one drowning.
Dakar neighbourhoods affected include Pikine, Guédiawaye, Thiaroye and Diamaguène, according to Mayé Konate, spokesman the National Association of Firefighters.
Rainfall is up by 70 percent compared to the first week in September 2007, according to the Senegalese Meteorological Organization. Drainage canals across the capital are full, said Konate.
On 4 September the government launched a national emergency response strategy, directing US$650,000 to water pumping in submerged neighbourhoods. Up to 60 rescue teams are now pumping water from the streets into canals, ponds or directly into the sea, according to Prime Minister Shekih Hadjibou Soumaré.
During his tour of flooded areas, Soumaré told reporters "Following more heavy rains in recent days there remains much more to be done [to help flooded neighbourhoods]. I call on everyone, including the private sector to help the state in preparingfor further floods.”
