Ousmane sonko mandates flood preparedness for Senegal

The Prime Minister has issued a directive to relevant ministries, urging them to implement essential measures for flood prevention ahead of the impending rainy season in Senegal. This proactive stance aims to safeguard communities and infrastructure from potential inundation.

During Wednesday’s Council of Ministers meeting, specific instructions were given to ensure concerned departments undertake appropriate preparations, as confirmed by government spokesperson Marie Rose Faye.

Mr. Sonko called on the ministers to guarantee the immediate execution of several critical actions. These include updating and validating all communal emergency plans, alongside verifying the functionality of early warning systems and communication channels across the nation.

Furthermore, he advised them to focus on the strategic pre-positioning of intervention resources and to organize a comprehensive inter-ministerial simulation exercise, with a deadline set before June 15, 2026.

A communiqué from the Council of Ministers highlighted that the Prime Minister commended the preparatory efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation and other state services. These efforts specifically include network cleaning, inspection of drainage infrastructure, pre-positioning of pumps, and the development of robust emergency plans to enhance Senegal’s resilience.

Recognizing the inherently inter-ministerial nature of flood prevention, the Prime Minister strongly urged all state services to operate in seamless synergy. This coordinated effort will be led by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, with crucial support from the Ministry of Interior for aspects concerning civil protection and crisis management.