The death toll in floods which left thousands homeless in the Malian capital, Bamako, has risen to 34, officials said.
More than 100 homes, mostly poorly constructed mud-brick buildings on drainage sites, were swept away as the river Niger burst its banks in torrential rain on Wednesday, bringing down bridges and submerging entire streets.
“I have been told of 34 dead. Damage to property is widespread and the evaluation is ongoing,” Die Dao, deputy head of the Department of Civil Protection rescue mission, said on Friday.
Mali’s independent newspapers have reported higher death tolls of up to 50 deaths.
Flooding often leads to widespread displacements and casualties during West Africa’s June to October rainy season, as well as disease outbreaks due partly to poor sanitation.
Local television broadcast images of homeless residents wandering Bamako’s streets, apparently in shock, as others waded through chest-high, fast-flowing muddy water to rescue stranded neighbours.
The old hillside district of Taliko suffered the brunt of the flooding, with victims finding refuge in a primary school equipped with mats, kettles and mosquito nets.
Headmaster Abdoul Konate said the victims were desperate for money and clothes.
“They said that they have lost all their savings. There are 80 of them, about half of whom are children,” he told media.
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