A violent thunderstorm swept through Senegal’s Kaolack region on Monday afternoon, tragically killing two children and leaving a third hospitalized with serious injuries.
The incident occurred in Medina Thiamène, highlighting the dangers posed by an unusually intense rainy season this year.
According to the National Agency for Civil Aviation and Meteorology (ANACIM), the storm system first struck the department of Nioro before spreading to several central regions, including Diourbel, Fatick, Mbour, and Thiès.
Dakar, the capital, experienced milder weather in the evening, limited to scattered showers and thunder.
“These human tragedies underscore the urgency of taking preventive measures against lightning, particularly in rural areas,” said the first deputy mayor of Kaolack, speaking to SUD FM.
He urged the government to install lightning rods in villages most at risk, calling it a “matter of life and death for vulnerable communities.”
Lightning-related fatalities have become a recurring concern across Senegal, prompting debates over protective infrastructure in rural zones. Emergency services have repeatedly warned residents to seek shelter during storms, noting the increasing frequency and intensity of such weather events.
Meteorology officials are issuing further warnings. Dr. Aïda Diongue Niang, director of national meteorology, told Salam Senegal that heavy rains are expected to continue from Wednesday through the weekend. Many parts of the country, including Touba, Dakar, and Tambacounda, are already experiencing flooding, heightening risks for residents in low-lying areas.
Authorities have called on citizens to exercise heightened vigilance, particularly in flood-prone regions, while ANACIM prepares detailed weather forecasts to guide communities and emergency responders.
As Senegal contends with persistent storms and rising water levels, this tragedy in Kaolack illustrates the ongoing vulnerability of rural populations and the urgent need for improved safety measures. Emergency services and local authorities continue to work to mitigate risks, but residents are reminded to stay alert as the rainy season shows no sign of abating.
The cumulative impact of severe weather this season continues to challenge both residents and emergency services, emphasizing the need for long-term protective strategies against natural hazards.
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