Prime Minister Sonko urges coordinated flood prevention measures before rainy season
Dakar — With the next rainy season approaching, Senegal’s Prime Minister has issued direct orders to key ministers to activate critical flood prevention strategies. The call came during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers meeting, where urgent implementation of preparedness measures was emphasized.
The Prime Minister tasked relevant ministers with accelerating emergency response planning, including the updating and validation of all municipal emergency plans, ensuring the functionality of early warning systems, and maintaining clear communication channels for crisis coordination.
Key directives also included the pre-positioning of intervention resources and the organization of a cross-ministerial simulation exercise by June 15, 2026. These steps are designed to strengthen Senegal’s resilience against potential flooding, which poses significant risks to urban and rural communities alike.
The government’s proactive approach reflects lessons learned from past flood events, with a strong focus on infrastructure readiness. The Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation has been leading preparatory efforts, including:
- Clearing drainage networks to prevent waterlogging
- Inspecting and reinforcing flood-control structures
- Strategically positioning water pumps in high-risk zones
- Developing updated emergency response blueprints
Given the inter-ministerial nature of flood prevention, the Prime Minister stressed the need for seamless collaboration across all government departments. The Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation will serve as the central coordinator, supported by the Interior Ministry for civil protection and crisis management activities.
This coordinated effort underscores Senegal’s commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods as the rainy season approaches, ensuring that every sector is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.
