Heavy rains in Niger have triggered severe flooding that has left at least 47 people dead and forced more than 56,000 from their homes, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
The General Directorate of Civil Protection said 7,754 households across 339 neighborhoods and villages have been affected. Of the casualties, 30 people were killed when their homes collapsed, while 17 others drowned. At least 70 people were injured, and 257 livestock were also lost in the disaster.
Officials said emergency food assistance is being distributed, with more than 3,700 families identified as immediate beneficiaries. Relief agencies are also assessing further needs as the floods continue to disrupt communities across the country.
Seasonal floods remain a recurring challenge in Niger, which experienced heavy rainfall last year affecting more than one million people.