West Africa is reeling from a series of deadly accidents and natural disasters that have claimed more than 90 lives across the region in recent days.
Countries including Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have been particularly affected, underscoring urgent calls for enhanced safety and disaster prevention measures.
In Benin, tragedy struck when a Nigerien bus carrying 47 passengers plunged into the Ouémé River near Thio in the commune of Glazoué on the night of August 16–17.
Niger’s Ambassador to Cotonou, Chaïbou Kadadé, reported that 38 bodies were recovered and transferred to the Savé morgue, while nine survivors, including a woman, were hospitalised in stable condition.
The High Council of Nigeriens in Benin (HCNB) confirmed that more than thirty victims were buried in accordance with Muslim traditions on August 19.
The bus, operated by STM Niger and registered CC 0085 MD, had travelled from Lomé in Togo to Niamey in Niger.
Authorities said it struck a bridge railing before plunging into the river.
The Beninese president activated the ORSEC emergency plan, mobilising security, health, and rescue services.
Investigations into the accident’s cause are ongoing.
Meanwhile, in Niger, heavy seasonal rains have triggered catastrophic flooding, leaving 47 dead, 70 injured, and over 56,000 people displaced, according to the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC).
The floods affected more than 7,700 households across 339 communities in 78 municipalities.
Among the victims, 30 died in building collapses and 17 by drowning, while 257 livestock were lost.
The government has allocated 12 billion CFA francs to assist affected families.
Burkina Faso also suffered a transport-related tragedy when a bus fell under the Nakambé Bridge on the RN3 highway.
Rescue teams retrieved the vehicle but initially found no bodies, raising fears that victims had been swept away by the river’s strong currents. Authorities have confirmed two deaths, with several others injured.
In Guinea, a landslide in Maneah, Coyah prefecture, about 50 kilometres from Conakry, killed nine people and injured many more on the night of August 20.
The mudslide destroyed dozens of homes, and rescue workers, aided by the Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing, continue to search for survivors.
These recent disasters highlight the vulnerability of West African communities to natural hazards and transport accidents.
Officials and experts are calling for strengthened risk management, road safety measures, and investment in disaster preparedness to prevent further loss of life.
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