Senegal’s flood prevention: urgent measures ahead of rainy season

Government ramps up flood preparedness with decisive measures

The Senegalese government has rolled out a series of urgent directives to bolster flood prevention ahead of the upcoming rainy season. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko convened a cabinet meeting this week, issuing strict instructions to concerned ministers to finalize preparations and mitigate potential risks.

Government spokesperson Marie Rose Faye confirmed that immediate action is required across multiple sectors. The Prime Minister emphasized the critical need for pre-positioning of emergency resources and the organization of a nationwide inter-ministerial simulation drill before June 15, 2026. This exercise will assess the state’s readiness to respond to potential disasters during the hivernage period.

Key initiatives underway

Current efforts include clearing drainage networks, inspecting flood control infrastructure, and deploying additional water pumps in high-risk zones. Emergency response plans are also being finalized for vulnerable areas to ensure swift and coordinated action when needed.

Given the cross-cutting nature of flood management, Sonko has called for seamless collaboration among all government agencies. The Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation will lead the initiative, with the Ministry of Interior providing support for civil protection and crisis management.