Which disasters create the main disaster-management risks in Senegal?

Floods, drought, bush fires, extreme heat, coastal erosion, storm surges, dangerous swell, lightning and drowning are the main identified risks. Their prevalence differs by region, with urban and river flooding, drought and coastal hazards requiring different precautions.

Which authorities coordinate disaster response in Senegal?

The Direction de la Protection civile, the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security, governors, prefects and municipalities coordinate according to the event. The Brigade Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers provides fire, rescue, pumping and technical assistance, while the Senegalese Red Cross and other partners may support relief.

Where can people obtain official disaster warnings in Senegal?

ANACIM publishes weather bulletins, short-term and 72-hour forecasts, seasonal information and special vigilance warnings. People can also use ANACIM SMS and voice subscriptions and should follow instructions issued by public authorities.

Which emergency numbers can people call during a disaster in Senegal?

People can call 17 for Police Secours, 18 for the fire and rescue service, or the free 800 00 20 20 hotline. The research information lists these contacts as available 24 hours a day.

How are evacuation and disaster assistance arranged in Senegal?

Local authorities arrange evacuation and temporary accommodation according to the event, using facilities such as schools, health posts, community centers or host families when available. FSN assistance follows damage assessment and may use the RNU, so support, timing and payment are not uniform for every affected household.

Disasters in Senegal

Disasters in Senegal include floods, drought, bush fires, extreme heat, coastal erosion, storm surges, dangerous swell, lightning and drowning. Risks differ by region: urban flooding affects parts of Dakar and other growing areas, while river flooding, water shortages and coastal hazards affect other regions. Senegal combines early warnings, emergency response, evacuation, relief and recovery through public authorities and partner organizations.

Tip

Treat disaster preparedness in Senegal as a local, hazard-specific plan rather than a single national checklist. Match your preparations to the risks around you, follow ANACIM warnings and local authority instructions, and do not rely on guaranteed shelter or cash assistance after an event.

byRama&Babacar

Senegal's disaster management system covers risk reduction, preparedness, warnings, rescue, assistance and recovery. The Direction de la Protection civile (DPC) supports the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security in coordinating public protection. The Plan ORSEC is Senegal's national emergency organization plan; when activated, it mobilizes public and private resources through a command staff, operational groups, support cells and a resource-management committee. Governors, prefects, municipalities, the Brigade Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers (BNSP), the Senegalese Red Cross and other partners may take part according to the event and location. The Agence Nationale de l'Aviation Civile et de la Météorologie (ANACIM) issues weather bulletins, short-term forecasts, 72-hour forecasts and seasonal information. Its special weather bulletins and green, yellow or red vigilance levels can warn about maritime and coastal dangers. SMS and voice subscriptions provide another warning channel. People should follow official instructions, report hazards and participate in local preparedness, first-aid and awareness activities. Flood risk is especially significant in low-lying and poorly drained urban areas, including parts of the Dakar region and other urbanizing zones. Communities along the Senegal and Gambia river systems, including areas around Saint-Louis, Matam, Podor, Bakel and Tambacounda, may face high water, temporary displacement and interruptions to roads, utilities, schools, health facilities and water and sanitation services. Northern, central and eastern areas can face drought and water shortages, while coastal and delta areas face erosion, saltwater intrusion, storm surges and dangerous swell. Bush fires, extreme heat, lightning and drowning require local precautions as well. During a major emergency, the BNSP provides fire, rescue, pumping and technical assistance. Authorities may arrange evacuation or temporary accommodation in schools, health posts, community centers or host families, but Senegal has no single publicly documented nationwide shelter register or standard evacuation arrangement for every event. The Fonds de Solidarité Nationale (FSN) can provide support after damage assessment, sometimes using the Registre National Unique (RNU) to help identify affected households. The amount, timing and eligibility depend on the event, assessment and available budget; there is no general guaranteed payment or accommodation for every affected household. Emergency contacts include 17 for Police Secours, 18 for the fire and rescue service, and the free 800 00 20 20 hotline, available around the clock. After flooding, recovery may involve lowering standing water, disinfecting and reopening schools and health facilities, restoring water and sanitation services, resuming education and rebuilding livelihoods. Projects such as PROGEP2 support urban drainage and flood-risk planning, while national planning also addresses multi-risk preparedness, flood protection, drought and pastoral insurance, and gaps such as delayed emergency payments and limited flood or public-asset insurance.