Senegal is grappling with rising waters along the Senegal River, as several localities in the Bakel department face severe flooding, leaving roads blocked, villages isolated, and schools submerged.
Residents are now relying on canoes to move around, highlighting the urgency of the crisis.
Local authorities, convening within the departmental flood management committee, have announced emergency measures to contain the advancing waters. Communities fear a repeat of last year’s widespread destruction.
Low-lying areas in Bakel, Kounghany, and Yaféra-Golmy have already been inundated, rendering many roads impassable, according to Le Soleil. In Arounda, both a college and a Koranic school have been submerged, while three homes in Yaféra and a compound in Golmy have been affected. With traditional road transport disrupted, residents are forced to navigate the river, straining limited infrastructure.
In response, the flood management committee has distributed 1,000 sandbags to affected villages and 40 life jackets to aid safer crossings. A PRDC-VFS canoe, initially stationed in Ballou, has been deployed to facilitate river traffic.
Complicating matters, the Kounghany bridge has partially collapsed, and the road connecting Bakel to Golmy is in poor condition, raising concerns about further isolation.
Authorities are drawing lessons from last year’s devastating floods, which destroyed homes, ruined crops, and displaced families.
Recurring incidents have underscored gaps in infrastructure resilience and community preparedness, despite regular discussions on prevention and development measures.
Currently, the local committee has outlined urgent needs, including 106 tents, 10 high-capacity motor pumps, food, fuel, and medical supplies.
Administrative and technical services are intensifying awareness campaigns and securing vulnerable areas.
The 63rd Fire and Rescue Company of the Bakel Fire Brigade has been reinforced with additional personnel and equipment to ensure a rapid response.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the full extent of the flooding and the capacity of emergency systems to protect residents and limit damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.
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