Crisis overview
On 24 July, high amounts of rainfall (between 100-200mm at various locations) caused heavy flooding in some parts of Senegal. The districts Kaffrine and Kolda have reportedly been the heaviest affected, with Kaolack and Matam also receiving above average rainfall. Throughout Kaffrine district some 1,500 houses have been destroyed and 7,500 people affected. Because no independent assessment has been carried out yet the actual amount of damage and sectoral needs are not yet known.
The number of people potentially at risk throughout the 2016 flood season is estimated at 210,000
Key findings
Anticipated scope and scale The flooding in Senegal was triggered by heavier than usual rain starting around 24 July, at the onset of the rainy season. Flooding continues in the affected areas, particularly in Kaffrine, Kaolack and Kolda as the rainy season continues. Crops have been destroyed and houses flooded, leading to a heightened risk of food insecurity and shelter needs. Preparedness measures throughout Senegal are good and contingency plans to deal with floods of this scale are in place.
Priorities for humanitarian intervention
Food Security – because of underlying food insecurity in the area and destruction of crops
WASH – 210,000 people at risk of needing WASH interventions
Shelter – some 1,500 houses have been destroyed so far Humanitarian constraints While flooding usually leads to access constraints, no significant access constraints nor damage to essential infrastructure have been reported. National emergency surge capacity is currently responding.
Limitations
There is little to no information on the current situation. Therefore, sectoral needs in this briefing note have been deducted from lessons learned and pre-crisis sectoral information. There is a profound need for a local rapid needs assessment to affirm the amount of damage and to find out what the local populations actually needs.