Just days before the Magal, set this year for 13 August at the height of Senegal’s rainy season, the holy city of Touba is drawing nationwide attention.
The annual pilgrimage, which last year attracted more than five million people—over a quarter of the nation’s population—is being prepared against the backdrop of severe weather warnings.
Heavy rains combined with the expected influx of pilgrims are putting the city’s infrastructure and security measures under intense pressure. Local and national authorities are ramping up efforts to ensure the celebration runs smoothly despite the looming threat of storms.
Sanitation facilities tested by downpours
By early August, persistent rainfall had already flooded parts of the city. According to Moustapha Rahim Wilson, head of the departmental service of ONAS, the new sanitation systems have prevented the worst outcomes, shortening flooding times in areas that have traditionally been severely affected.
However, the most recent downpours revealed that drainage, while improved, is still slow. In some cases, it takes several hours for accumulated water to fully recede. This has underscored both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain, particularly when rain events occur in quick succession.
Authorities on high alert
On Thursday, the Minister of Hydraulics posted a message on Facebook urging vigilance: “Dear compatriots, please take all precautions because the weather forecast predicts very wet days.” His warning targeted both local residents and the thousands of pilgrims preparing to travel to Touba.
With the Magal approaching, close coordination between sanitation crews, emergency services, and religious leaders is considered essential. While seasonal rains are nothing new, their overlap with one of Senegal’s largest public gatherings turns every storm into a significant logistical test.
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