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HUMANITARIAN OVERVIEW
Heavy rainfall across Senegal, compounded by water releases from the Manantali and Falémé dams, has caused significant flooding along the Senegal and Gambia rivers. The floods have damaged homes, farmland, and infrastructure, affecting over 70,000 people, including 7,230 who have been displaced. Recovery efforts are underway to address the immediate needs of those impacted and support their return.
In Bakel alone, 55,600 people were directly impacted by the floods but have begun returning to their homes and resumed economic activities. According to the latest report from the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River, water levels are receding across all affected regions.
However, people displaced and those living in temporary shelters continue to face significant challenges in accessing essential social services such as healthcare, water, sanitation, child protection, and education.
Education, while still heavily disrupted by the impact of floods, is gradually resuming. However, 18 schools in Matam, serving 5,049 students, including 2,842 girls, lack essential learning materials.
In temporary shelters in Podor and Bakel, 488 displaced students still face limited access to education.
The floods caused considerable disruptions to the health sector in regions such as Matam and Bakel, resulting in facility closures and limited access to maternal and child healthcare. With conditions stabilizing, health centers are gradually resuming operations.
WASH systems were also heavily impacted, with water contamination and insufficient sanitation facilities heightening the risk of waterborne diseases, especially in temporary shelters.
Contaminated water sources pose a serious threat to the health of young children and pregnant women, while cases of malaria and diarrheal diseases have surged, exacerbated by limited clean water and medical supplies. Food insecurity is also a growing concern, with destroyed crops and livestock losses.
Although water levels are receding, pressing needs remain. Priorities include disinfecting schools and healthcare facilities, providing psychosocial support for children, ensuring children’s return to school, and supporting families in rebuilding their livelihoods.