On October 5, 2026, Senegal's Prime Minister, Ahmadou Alhaminou Lo, chaired an emergency meeting at the Prime Minister's office to assess the situation and strengthen the response to the floods caused by heavy rainfall over the weekend. Several government ministers and officials from concerned services attended the meeting. The meeting aimed to evaluate the situation and prepare a response to mitigate the effects of the floods.
The Prime Minister announced the activation of the regional emergency plan to maintain permanent vigilance in the face of risks related to precipitation forecast for the next few days. Ahmadou Alhaminou Lo stated that there is a high probability of rain on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The authorities remain mobilized to anticipate the consequences of these weather conditions. The government has identified sensitive areas that require special attention, including certain road axes, water and electricity infrastructure.
The government is prioritizing mobility, which has been severely affected in some areas. Operations are underway to clear sectors where traffic is difficult, and these interventions will continue as the situation evolves. A communication device will be set up to alert the population in exposed areas of the risks and measures to take. The goal is to enable inhabitants to be informed in time and take necessary precautions.
The government also plans to provide assistance to those affected by the floods. The Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Family and Solidarity to ensure that people in need receive rapid assistance, including water and food distribution. Ahmadou Alhaminou Lo emphasized that populations in need should be rescued immediately. The government is working to provide support to those affected.
The situation in schools is also a concern for the government. The Prime Minister has asked the Minister of National Education to assess the conditions in areas affected by the floods. If the situation worsens, a postponement of the start of the school year in the Dakar region could be proposed to the Head of State. The decision will depend on the evolution of the situation on the ground.
To respond to the emergency, the Prime Minister announced the mobilization of necessary financial resources. Instructions have been given to the Ministry of Finance to make funds available for emergency operations. A monitoring committee has been set up to work with the general staff to track the situation and address difficulties that may arise.
The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and the government's compassion to those affected by the floods. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye also expressed his compassion to the affected families. The government is working to mitigate the effects of the floods and provide support to those in need.
Key points
- Senegal's Prime Minister triggers emergency plan as floods hit the country
- Government mobilizes financial resources to respond to the emergency
- Authorities prioritize mobility and assistance to those affected
