Sonko urges urgent review of flood emergency plans in Senegal

During the recent Council of Ministers meeting, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko highlighted the pressing need for enhanced flood prevention and management strategies in Senegal. The session, held on 20 May 2026, focused on strengthening the country’s resilience against seasonal flooding, a recurring challenge that disrupts lives and livelihoods across multiple regions.

Coordinated state action to mitigate flood risks

Ousmane Sonko commended the proactive steps taken by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation and other state agencies. These efforts include clearing drainage networks, inspecting flood-control infrastructure, deploying mobile pumping stations, and developing contingency plans to protect vulnerable communities.

The Prime Minister emphasized the inter-ministerial nature of flood prevention, calling for seamless collaboration between government departments. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, with support from the Ministry of the Interior, he instructed all relevant ministries to align their strategies, particularly in civil protection and crisis response.

Immediate measures to bolster flood preparedness

Ousmane Sonko issued clear directives to accelerate critical flood-management initiatives. Key actions include:

• Updating and validating all municipal emergency plans to reflect current risks and resources;
• Ensuring the functionality of early warning systems and communication channels to alert and guide at-risk populations;
• Pre-positioning intervention equipment and personnel in high-risk zones;
• Conducting a nationwide inter-ministerial simulation exercise before 15 June 2026 to test response readiness.

These measures aim to reduce the human and economic toll of flooding, safeguarding communities and infrastructure ahead of the rainy season.