Disasters in Niger

Niger has a formal disaster-management system under Loi n°2022-61 du 19 décembre 2022. The DGPC handles protection, risk analysis, warnings and crisis management, while the Centre Opérationnel de Veille d’Alerte et de Conduite de Crise (COVACC) supports interministerial coordination. The Direction de la Météorologie Nationale, the Direction Générale des Ressources en Eau and the national early-warning structures provide weather and water information. A Système d’Alerte Précoce (SAP) combines risk monitoring, forecasting, warning communication and preparation for action. Local systems include OSV vulnerability-monitoring observatories and SCAP/RU community warning and emergency-response systems. National warning coverage and communication are still being expanded, so local authority and community information may be decisive. Seasonal flooding and drought have very high relevance. Flood exposure is pronounced along the Niger River around Niamey and Tillabéri, the Komadougou Yobé in Diffa, the Goulbi Maradi in Maradi and the Kori de Telwa in Agadez. Urban expansion, settlement in flood zones and weak drainage increase risks in towns. The 2020 floods destroyed more than 32,900 homes, affected 350,915 people and caused 70 deaths. The 2024 floods caused losses to housing, crops and basic needs for 1,510,816 people and caused 396 deaths. The 2026 government outlook expects July to September conditions to be normal to above normal, with a high probability of flooding along the Niger River and the Komadougou Yobé; this is a time-specific forecast, not a permanent risk level. During an emergency, contact the local authority, municipality or region, Protection Civile, the DGPC or COVACC where access is available. Response priorities include people, animals, drinking water, food supplies and critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, wells, dams and irrigation facilities. Niger has no verified nationwide emergency number for every disaster. Evacuation is arranged locally according to the event. Schools, relatives’ homes and temporary collective shelters have been used, but Niger has no verified nationwide evacuation order, fixed evacuation path or guaranteed shelter place. No universal entitlement to evacuation accommodation or fixed compensation has been established. The Ministère de la Population, DGSN and PRH support humanitarian assistance, early recovery and rehabilitation. The Croix-Rouge Nigérienne and the IFRC may provide shelter, essential household items, water and sanitation, food, cash and protection services after damage and needs assessments. Access depends on location, available funding and the relevant operation; assistance is not automatically guaranteed or subject to one nationwide tariff. The 2024 IFRC operation targeted 250,000 people in five regions for twelve months from 19 September 2024. Recovery can take weeks or months for immediate relief and early recovery, while larger rebuilding projects depend on funding and programme design. Work may restore roads, dams, water systems, irrigation facilities, schools and sanitation infrastructure. The CNPGI supports national flood prevention and management. PIDUREM, running from 2022 to 2028 with US$250 million for 25 municipalities and 14 cities, includes drainage, rainwater collectors, ravine treatment, protective dams, settlement planning and maintenance. Infrastructure reduces risk only when authorities combine it with warnings, land-use planning, emergency preparation and regular maintenance. Residents should follow warnings and local instructions and report hazards; public authorities are responsible for prevention, information, warning, protection, assistance and reconstruction.