Senegal Postpones School Opening After Deadly Flooding

DAKAR, Senegal — Senegal has postponed the start of the new school year after torrential rains caused severe flooding across several parts of the country, including the capital, Dakar.

The heavy rainfall, recorded from Friday through Monday, flooded roads, disrupted transport and affected communities in several regions. At least five people have reportedly died in the flooding.

The disaster comes just weeks before Senegal is scheduled to host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics, placing additional pressure on authorities to restore infrastructure and ensure affected areas are safe.

Schools to reopen on October 12

The Ministry of Education announced that primary and secondary schools will now reopen on October 12, instead of the originally scheduled start of the academic year.

The ministry said the decision was primarily intended to protect students and education workers as authorities respond to the effects of the floods.

The postponement will also give authorities time to clean and disinfect affected schools and restore facilities damaged by the heavy rains.

The ministry said the measures would include the “cleaning, sanitation, disinfection, and restoration” of educational facilities.

The delay represents an unusual disruption to Senegal's academic calendar in recent years and reflects the scale of the flooding following days of intense rainfall.

Authorities race to restore essential services

Emergency operations are underway to clear flooded roads and restore normal traffic in affected areas.

Authorities are also working to protect water and electricity supplies while providing immediate assistance to communities affected by the floods.

The disruption has been particularly significant in Dakar, where flooding has paralysed sections of the capital and made movement difficult.

Weather forecasts indicate that more rainfall could be expected in the coming days, raising concerns that already waterlogged areas could face further flooding.

Senegal's rainy season normally begins in June and gradually comes to an end in October.

Flooding remains a recurring threat

The latest flooding has again highlighted Senegal's vulnerability to extreme rainfall and inadequate drainage in some areas.

In 2024, the Senegal River burst its banks, affecting more than 56,000 people in eastern parts of the country.

The recurring flooding has increased pressure on authorities to strengthen drainage systems, improve emergency preparedness and develop longer-term measures to protect communities from increasingly disruptive rainfall events.

With the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics approaching, the authorities now face the immediate challenge of clearing floodwaters and restoring essential infrastructure while ensuring that schools and public facilities are safe to reopen.

For families across Senegal, however, the immediate priority remains protecting children and communities as the country waits to see whether further heavy rains will compound the damage.