The Beninese government, through the Agence béninoise de protection civile (Abpc), is strengthening its disaster prevention and intervention measures to protect communities from flooding and other natural hazards. According to Rabiou Assouma, head of the Abpc's risk and disaster department, the country faces both natural and anthropogenic risks, including floods, coastal erosion, and security crises. Assouma made these remarks during an interview on Océan Fm's "Le Décodeur" program on November 8, 2026.
Benin experiences flooding annually due to heavy rainfall and overflowing watercourses, affecting several localities. The Abpc identifies two main types of floods: pluvial floods caused by heavy precipitation and fluvial floods resulting from river overflows. The agency has recorded a decline in flood-related statistics in recent years. In 2024, approximately 400,000 people were affected, compared to around 280,000 in 2025. The number of displaced persons has also decreased, from 30,189 in 2024 to 10,109 in 2025.
The Abpc reports that the number of socio-community infrastructures damaged by floods has decreased. In 2024, around 182 infrastructures were affected, compared to 177 in 2025. Assouma attributes this decline to the efforts made by the government through the Abpc to better prepare communities and strengthen local disaster management mechanisms. He notes that Benin's level of preparedness has helped mitigate the impact of floods compared to other countries in the sub-region.
The Abpc is focusing on prevention and preparation to address flood risks. Assouma emphasizes the need to transform meteorological and hydrological forecasts into concrete actions on the ground. This involves alerting populations early, raising awareness about risks, and preparing intervention means and mobilizing stakeholders. The agency relies on departmental, communal, and local platforms to improve community preparedness.
According to Assouma, the Abpc's efforts have yielded positive results. The agency's strategies aim to reduce the impact of floods and other disasters on communities. By enhancing preparedness and intervention mechanisms, the Abpc seeks to minimize the loss of life and property. Assouma's remarks highlight the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to address disaster risks.
The Abpc's approach involves working closely with local communities and stakeholders to build resilience to disasters. By providing early warnings and promoting awareness, the agency aims to empower communities to take proactive measures against flood risks. This proactive approach is expected to reduce the economic and social impacts of floods.
Assouma's interview on "Le Décodeur" underscores the government's commitment to disaster risk reduction. The Abpc's efforts to strengthen prevention and intervention measures reflect a growing recognition of the need to address the root causes of disasters. By prioritizing preparedness and community engagement, Benin aims to reduce its vulnerability to floods and other natural hazards.
Key points
- Abpc records decline in displaced persons and damaged infrastructure due to floods.
- Agency focuses on prevention and preparation to mitigate flood risks.
- Efforts aim to transform meteorological forecasts into concrete actions on the ground.
