Senegal’s prime minister calls for urgent flood preparedness ahead of rainy season

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has issued clear directives to relevant cabinet members, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive flood prevention measures before the upcoming rainy season in Senegal. This proactive stance underscores the nation’s commitment to security and preparedness against environmental challenges.

During a recent Council of Ministers meeting, Mr. Sonko provided precise instructions, urging immediate implementation of several key actions. These include updating and validating all communal emergency plans, rigorously verifying the operational status of early warning systems, and ensuring robust communication channels are in place.

Furthermore, ministers were tasked with pre-positioning essential intervention resources and organizing an inter-ministerial simulation exercise. This crucial drill is slated to occur before June 15, 2026, to test readiness and coordination across government sectors.

The Prime Minister also commended the preparatory efforts already underway by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, alongside other state services. Their work encompasses vital activities such as dredging drainage networks, inspecting existing infrastructure, strategically placing pumps, and developing comprehensive emergency response strategies.

Recognizing the inherently inter-ministerial nature of effective flood prevention, Prime Minister Sonko strongly encouraged all government departments to foster perfect synergy. This collaborative effort will be coordinated by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, with crucial support from the Ministry of Interior, particularly concerning civil protection protocols and overall crisis management.