MALI’S government has declared a national state of emergency following weeks of heavy rainfall that have caused devastating floods, resulting in 30 deaths since June. The decision was made during an emergency cabinet meeting led by Col. Assimi Goita, the president of the transitional government.
The floods have impacted 7,077 households nationwide, displacing or affecting a total of 47,374 people. In the capital city of Bamako alone, 563 households and 4,639 people were affected, with five reported deaths. The northern region of Gao was the hardest hit, with 9,936 people affected and six fatalities.
This season’s rains have caused widespread devastation across the Sahel, with neighbouring Niger reporting 217 deaths and Chad also suffering dozens of fatalities. In response to the crisis, Mali’s government has allocated CFA4bn ($7 million) to stockpile essential food supplies and provide assistance to affected households.
Mali’s government statement highlighted that since the beginning of the rainy season up to August 22, 2024, a total of 122 flood incidents have been recorded across 17 regions, including the Bamako district. In addition to the human toll, the floods have caused widespread property damage, including house collapses and incidents of lightning and strong winds.
As the country grapples with the ongoing disaster, authorities are working to mitigate further damage and provide support to those impacted by the floods.
