Omanghana
Senegal has postponed the reopening of primary and secondary schools nationwide following heavy rains and flooding that have left communities inundated and disrupted transport.
Classes originally scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, will now start on Monday, October 12. The Education Ministry said the delay would protect pupils and give authorities time to clean, disinfect and restore affected school facilities.
Torrential rainfall between Friday and Monday flooded several regions, submerged neighborhoods and made major roads impassable, including parts of the capital, Dakar.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye acknowledged that the storms had caused deaths. Local media reported that a mother and her child were found drowned inside their Dakar home overnight between Sunday and Monday.
At least five deaths have been reported as authorities respond to the flooding. Operations are underway to clear roads, restore traffic, protect water and electricity supplies, and provide emergency assistance to affected communities.
The disruption comes as Senegal prepares to host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics, placing additional pressure on recovery efforts.
Forecasts indicate a continuing risk of rain in the coming days. Senegal’s rainy season generally runs from June into October, leaving authorities managing the immediate damage while preparing for further downpours ahead of the revised school reopening date.
Source: Omaghana
