The Governor of the Saint-Louis region, Al Hassan Sall, chaired a meeting of the Regional Flood Management Committee. The meeting provided an opportunity to assess the situation and reaffirm the authorities' commitment to protecting populations from the risks associated with the rainy season and the flooding of the Senegal River.

"It was only natural, after a few months of management, to be able to take stock of the situation and also plan for possible flooding caused by the river's overflowing," the governor said. According to him, the overall results are positive thanks to the mobilization of technical and security services, including the fire brigade, ONAS and SONAGED, which have dealt with almost all of the identified flood-prone sites.

Efforts focused on sensitive sites

"While several problem areas have been cleaned up, the Pikine district of Saint-Louis remains a concern. Work is underway there under the supervision of ONAS, with the support of the fire brigade. Regarding schools, almost all have been taken care of, with the exception of around ten still being treated in the departments of Saint-Louis, Podor, and Dagana.

"At the same time, disinfection, weeding and insect control operations have been launched by the hygiene service. They are part of the prevention of Rift Valley fever, which recently appeared in the region," he added.

Flood protection works

To anticipate the river's overflows, the head of the regional executive indicated that security work carried out by the Directorate for Flood Prevention and Management (DPGI), in partnership with the army, has made it possible to build dikes in several villages of Podor and Dagana.

"These works are more than 95% complete, which should limit the risks," said the governor, who nevertheless requested that contingency plans be updated at the departmental level in order to prepare for the arrival of the flood wave expected towards the end of October.

"We are ready, on alert, and all our services remain mobilized to protect and support the population," he assured.

Temporary rehousing of disaster-stricken families

Regarding the situation in Khar Yalla, some families, forced to leave their homes, are currently staying with neighbors.

"The SERRP project will provide tents for temporary rehousing at a previously identified site. Similar measures are planned in the Podor department, where some riverside villages could also be affected. The region remains vigilant and ready to intervene if necessary, whether it concerns runoff water or flooding of the Senegal River," he said.