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2026-08-01 20:43 UTC → 2026-08-08 17:13 UTC ·
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West African rains continue, prompting flood alerts rainy season: floods, storms, and mitigation
By early July, Niger mobilised road crews for Throughout the seasonal rains 2026 rainy season, West African nations have faced fluctuating precipitation, intense storm periods, and Senegal reported 70‑75 % completion of drainage works ongoing flood mitigation efforts. In June, meteorologists in Saint‑Louis Senegal and Touba ahead of the August Grand Magal. Forecasts in July Mali warned of two intense storm periods irregular rainfall and urged vigilance flood hazards. Ghana also issued forecasts for flooding, landslides, reduced road visibility thunderstorms and maritime safety, while farmers flash flooding risks. In Senegal, agricultural impacts were advised noted as irrigation gaps and delayed rains initially affected mango ripening and fruit size, though officials expected a strong overall harvest despite fruit-fly management efforts. Infrastructure responses continued through July. Niger mobilized road maintenance crews to continue seeding. On 13 July Senegal safeguard the national network ahead of heavy rains. In Senegal, authorities accelerated anti‑flood drainage and water-flow projects in Touba, adding a large retention basin at Nguiranene Saint-Louis and new drainage pipelines. Touba, aiming for completion by mid-July to prepare for the August Grand Magal. Parallel drainage and cleaning works began were also launched in M'Bahiakro, Côte d'Ivoire, as part of a three‑year programme to improve multi-year sanitation programme. Weather patterns remained volatile. After a brief period of stable conditions in early July, Senegal experienced multiple waves of intense rain and reduce flood risk. thunderstorms. ANACIM bulletins on 19 July and 24 issued several warnings throughout July forecasted intense rain and thunderstorms moving east‑to‑west across Senegal, affecting most August, covering various regions and urging residents from Dakar to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel and protect against lightning. On 31 July, Senegal’s the southern borders. In early August, Guinea's meteorological service agency issued severe alerts for weak to moderate rain showers and isolated heavy thunderstorms expected overnight on 1 August across Dakar, Thiès, Mbour, Saly, Somone and Joal‑Fadiouth. Residents were urged to monitor conditions, avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions against lightning and localized flooding. The alert follows a series of intense rain forecasts and underscores high flooding risks in Lower Guinea, including Conakry. Concurrent warnings for Senegal highlighted significant activity in the continued emphasis on flood preparedness and agricultural planning south, even as the rainy season progresses. central and northern regions faced high temperatures.