The Senegalese government on Monday activated the Dakar Regional Emergency Plan to strengthen the flood response following the heavy rains witnessed over the weekend.
The decision was taken by Prime Minister Ahmadou Alhaminou Lo during an emergency meeting on the situation, attended by several ministers and officials from agencies involved in flood management.
The activation of the plan, prompted in particular by weather forecasts from the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency (ANACIM), is intended to ensure continuous monitoring and anticipate the impact of further rainfall.
Several areas considered vulnerable are being closely monitored, including motorways, Philippe-Maguilen Senghor Hospital and the water catchment area.
The authorities also plan preventive measures to limit potential disruptions to water and electricity supplies in exposed areas.
The PM announced that the financial resources needed for emergency interventions and assistance to communities affected by the floods would be mobilised.
An alert system will also be used to strengthen public information on developments in the situation and any measures that may need to be taken.
As part of the response mechanism, a Monitoring Committee has been established. It will work with the General Staff to monitor the situation and strengthen coordination of response operations.
PM Lo also instructed the relevant services to take the necessary measures to facilitate mobility in affected areas.
The start of the new school year is also among the priorities. The head of government called for an assessment of conditions at schools, particularly in the Dakar region, to determine appropriate measures based on the situation on the ground.
The mobilisation comes after heavy rains over the weekend caused flooding in several parts of the Senegalese capital Dakar.
The government said the response mechanism would be maintained and adjusted according to weather conditions and the needs of affected communities.
TE/lb/as/APA