Floods in Dakar: the threat persists, the government activates the emergency plan
The heavy rains which hit Dakar this weekend continue to weigh on the capital. Several neighborhoods remain under stagnant water, traffic is still disrupted and further precipitation is forecast. Faced with the situation, the government triggered the regional emergency plan and strengthened its monitoring system.
Dakar kept its feet in the water all weekend. This Monday, the situation remains worrying. Around Prime Minister Ahmadou Alhaminou M. Lo, the ministries of Sanitation, Urban Planning, Interior, Public Security, Armed Forces, Family, Infrastructure and Transport took stock. Finance and Health, whose holders are outside the country, were represented.
The observation is unequivocal, the threat has not been ruled out. “We have reviewed the situation linked to the heavy rains this weekend,” declared the head of government. Further precipitation is expected, according to the director general of Anacim, present at the meeting. “There is a high chance of rain for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,” he said.
The State is placing itself on heightened vigilance. “The regional emergency plan will be triggered,” announced Ahmadou Alhaminou M. Lo. Objective: monitor developments as closely as possible and intervene quickly in the most exposed areas.
Several critical points have been identified, Avenue Malick Sy, the toll highway, Avenue Philippe Maguilen Senghor and the catchment area.
Beyond the flooded roads, it is the continuity of essential services that is worrying. “We remain attentive to the possible impact on the water and electricity supply,” underlined the Prime Minister, assuring that preventive measures will be taken upstream.
Traffic remains severely disrupted in several areas of the capital. “We know that mobility is difficult,” acknowledged the head of government, specifying that clearance operations have been underway since the day before for a gradual recovery. The government also wants to strengthen information. An alert system must allow residents of exposed areas to monitor the situation in real time.
On a humanitarian level, assistance has been triggered. The Minister of Family, Solidarity and Social Action has been instructed to intervene without delay. “Populations in need must be helped today, through the distribution of water and food,” insisted the Prime Minister.
Financial means will follow. “I have given instructions so that at short notice, funds for any support or emergency intervention will be available,” he declared to the Ministry of Finance.
To coordinate operations, a monitoring committee was set up alongside the general staff. He will be responsible for monitoring developments, coordinating interventions and reporting difficulties on the ground. “I once again offer my condolences to the saddened families and I express to all those affected our compassion and that of the Head of State. We will always be at their side,” concluded the Prime Minister.
Abdoulaye DEMBELÉ
