Schools in Niger will commence the new academic year nearly a month later than planned due to severe rainfall and flooding, as announced by the military government.
A government spokesperson revealed that many schools have been impacted by the floods, with some being utilized as temporary shelters for those displaced. The academic start date has been rescheduled from October 2 to October 28.
The country has experienced intense rainfall over recent weeks, leading to over 300 fatalities from incidents such as drowning and building collapses, according to the interior ministry.
In Maradi, one of the areas most affected, approximately 100 tents have been set up in schools to provide emergency accommodation. With reports indicating that more than 800,000 people have been affected by the flooding, the situation in the region remains critical.
Experts suggest that Niger, along with neighboring Mali and Nigeria, is facing some of the most severe flooding experienced in three decades. As part of the semi-arid Sahel region, Niger is grappling with the multifaceted effects of climate change, including increased frequency of both floods and droughts, which have disrupted agricultural production in recent years.
The military government has announced the provision of 9,700 tonnes of grain to assist those impacted, asserting that the situation is being managed effectively. However, there are rising concerns regarding the damage to culturally significant buildings. Recently, a historic 19th-century mosque in Zinder collapsed, raising alarms about the preservation of heritage sites.
The condition of the historic center in Agadez, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the gateway to the desert, is also a cause for concern following the floods.
