Senegal braces for flood season with urgent ministerial actions

Government ramps up flood prevention measures ahead of rainy season

Dakar — The Prime Minister has issued strict directives to cabinet ministers responsible for flood prevention, urging immediate action before the onset of the rainy season. This directive was announced during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers meeting, where a comprehensive strategy to mitigate flood risks was outlined.

Key instructions for ministerial action

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for urgent implementation of critical flood management protocols. Among these measures, ministers have been tasked with updating and validating all municipal emergency plans, ensuring the functionality of early warning systems, and verifying communication channels to facilitate rapid response.

Additionally, the government has set a deadline of June 15, 2026 for the pre-positioning of intervention resources and the organization of a cross-ministerial simulation exercise. This proactive approach aims to test coordination between various government agencies responsible for crisis management.

Collaborative efforts to strengthen flood resilience

In a statement following the meeting, the Prime Minister commended the ongoing preparatory work led by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation. This includes the clearing of drainage networks, inspection of flood-control infrastructure, deployment of pumps, and development of emergency response plans.

Given the interministerial nature of flood prevention, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of seamless collaboration across all state services. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, combined efforts with the Ministry of the Interior will focus on civil protection and crisis management, ensuring a unified and effective response to potential flooding.