Senegal prepares for heavy rains with urgent flood prevention measures

The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has directed relevant ministers to implement immediate flood prevention strategies ahead of the upcoming rainy season.

During a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sonko emphasized the need for enhanced risk anticipation during the ivernage. Government spokesperson Marie Rose Faye confirmed that urgent measures must be enforced without delay.

Key priorities include the pre-positioning of emergency response resources and the organization of an interministerial simulation drill before June 15, 2026. This exercise will assess the government’s disaster response capabilities.

The cabinet’s official statement highlights ongoing preparatory actions, such as clearing drainage networks, inspecting water infrastructure, deploying mobile pumps, and developing contingency plans for high-risk zones.

Given the cross-sectoral nature of flood management, Prime Minister Sonko urged all state agencies to collaborate seamlessly under the leadership of the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation. The Interior Ministry will provide critical support in civil protection and crisis management.