Schools in Niger will start the new academic year almost a month late due to heavy rainfall and flooding, the military government says.
“Many schools have been affected, and others are occupied by those affected,” a government spokesman said on state radio.
The authorities pushed the start date from October 2 to 28.
In recent weeks, the West African country has been battered by relentless rains, resulting in more than 300 deaths from both drowning and collapsed buildings, according to the interior ministry.
In the central-southern city of Maradi, one of the most affected areas, about 100 tents have been erected to accommodate people in schools.
U International Rescue Committee said more than 800,000 people were affected by the floods.
The organization says countries such as Niger, Mali and Nigeria are dealing with some of the “worst floods in 30 years”.
Like other countries in the semi-arid Sahel region of West Africa, Niger is suffering from the impact of climate change. In addition to floods, it has also had droughts and crop failures in recent years.
Scientists say that many extreme weather events, including floods and droughts, have become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change.
The military government says that 9,700 tons of grain have been made available to those in need and that the “situation is under control.”
There is also growing concern around the damage and destruction of buildings with cultural significance.
A few weeks ago, a 19th century mosque made of wood and straw collapsed in Zinder, the country’s second largest city.
There is also fear of how much damage a historic center in the northern city of Agadez, known as the door of the desert, has suffered. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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