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NIAMEY — Heavy rains in Niger have killed at least 15 people, authorities said Sunday, the latest casualties from torrential rains that have lashed the African country.
Heavy rains have been battering Africa’s Sahel region since June, with the latest death toll in Niger surpassing the national toll of at least 217 people killed in the same period, according to authorities.
More than 350,000 people have been affected, with floods nearly cutting off the capital, Niamey, from the rest of the country last week before gradually receding.
The latest deaths occurred on Friday in the country’s economic capital, Maradi, where the eponymous district is one of the areas worst hit by the rains.
“We have recorded 15 deaths, injuries and serious material damage,” regional governor Issoufou Mamane told public television.
The city received 150 millimeters (6 inches) of rain in 90 minutes on Friday, local television reported.
Television footage showed torrential water rushing through streets, sweeping away cars, motorcycles and trees, causing landslides and collapsing houses.
According to radio reports, drinking water and electricity supplies were affected in some areas.
Heavy rains also disrupted traffic on the main road connecting Maradi and Zinder cities.
Niger’s rainy season usually lasts from June to September and often brings a high death toll.
In 2022, 195 people died and 400,000 people were affected.
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