West African agencies boost flood preparedness as rainy season begins

Disaster management agencies in West Africa are intensifying preparedness measures as the rainy season begins and flood risks increase. In The Gambia, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has implemented a strategy focused on preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. The agency has trained staff in incident management and artificial intelligence for forecasting, while partnering with UNICEF to train 100 data collectors. Efforts include house-to-house sensitization in vulnerable areas like the Kotu Stream corridor.

In Ghana's Upper East Region, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has secured temporary shelters for residents potentially affected by the anticipated spillage of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso. Authorities in Burkina Faso report that water levels are approaching the 234 threshold required for spillage. NADMO is working with stakeholders to educate farmers and residents along the White Volta to evacuate to higher ground if flooding occurs.