21 dead, 6,000 people affected in Niger floods, rains

NIAMEY: Torrential rains and floods in Niger over the past three weeks have resulted in 21 deaths and nearly 6,000 people affected, according to figures released on Thursday. Colonel Major Bako Boubacar, Director-General of Civil Protection of Niger, said on state television that eight people had drowned and 13 had died in houses that collapsed during storms. Additionally, 26 people have been injured, and approximately 4,000 cattle have been killed or lost. Central Niger's Maradi region has been the worst hit since the onset of the rainy season, with a confirmed death toll of 14. Source: Emirates News Agency