21 Dead, Thousands Displaced After Floods Hit Niger

Severe flooding caused by heavy rains in Niger has resulted in the deaths of 21 people and left 6,000 others displaced since late May, officials announced on Thursday.

Colonel Boukar Bako, Director General of Civil Protection in Niger, stated on national television that as of June 20, the entire country has recorded 5,926 displaced persons and 21 deaths, including eight from drowning and 13 due to collapsed homes.

Additionally, 26 injuries and the deaths of approximately 4,000 livestock have been reported due to the floods.

The Maradi region, located in the south-central part of Niger, has been the hardest hit, with 14 fatalities and 2,404 displaced individuals.

According to Niger's Meteorological Agency, these heavy rains are attributed to climate change, which has been affecting the country for years.