Senegal delays school year start due to severe flooding
Senegal has postponed the start of its 2026 school year nationwide due to heavy rains and flooding that caused deaths and infrastructure damage. The education ministry emphasized safety and the need to restore schools. The delay pushes the start from October 7 to October 12 amid ongoing flood risks.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1)
Senegal has postponed the start of the 2026 school year across the country following recent heavy rains and destructive flooding, the education ministry announced on October 7.
Torrential downpours from Friday through Monday severely impacted several regions and parts of the capital, Dakar, causing at least five deaths and paralysing infrastructure.
The ministry said the decision prioritizes the safety and protection of children and allows time for cleaning, sanitation, disinfection, and restoration of educational facilities.
Primary and secondary schools, originally scheduled to open on October 7, will now start on October 12. This postponement is unprecedented in recent years.
Authorities continue operations to clear flooded roads, restore traffic, protect water and power supplies, and provide immediate aid amid forecasts of continued rain.
Senegal’s vulnerability to flooding is well documented, notably in 2024 when the Senegal River burst its banks affecting over 56,000 people in the east.