Burkina faso: The National Fire Brigade (BNSP) has urged the population to exercise caution and adhere to safety instructions during the rainy season, especially given the heavy rainfall forecast and the numerous flooding incidents recorded in recent years.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Lieutenant-Colonel Rasmam© Wango, commander of the Support and Relief Group, addressed these concerns during a press conference aimed at raising awareness among citizens about the necessary behaviors to adopt during the rainy season to prevent weather-related risks. The BNSP highlighted the importance of dialing emergency number 18 in situations requiring urgent intervention and reporting any obstruction of water drainage canals or potential collapse risks to the relevant authorities.
This media briefing follows a tragic incident on June 23, 2026, in Hound©, Tuy province, where five young individuals lost their lives due to floods triggered by heavy rains. Lieutenant Colonel Wango emphasized the magnitude of the issue with BNSP statistics indicating that between 2010 and 2025, firefighters responded to 603 flood-related events, resulting in 134 deaths and impacting over 5,000 properties nationwide.
The officer recounted the Hound© tragedy, noting that the alert was received at 7:05 p.m., and the rescue team from the 6th fire and rescue company of Boromo arrived at 9:25 p.m. Upon arrival, they found a flooded building and several individuals swept away while attempting to cross a canal. The rescue operation successfully saved three people, while five bodies were recovered, with victims aged between 15 and 30, including four boys and one girl.
In light of these events, the BNSP is urging the public to adhere strictly to the prevention measures outlined in the circular issued by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility on May 29, 2026, regarding flood risk management. The firefighters reminded citizens that heavy rains could lead to rapid water level rises in dams and waterways, infrastructure collapses, isolation of certain areas, and traffic accidents.
Lieutenant-Colonel Wango assured that the Ministry of Territorial Administration, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Protection, the National Meteorological Agency of Burkina Faso (ANAM-BF), and the BNSP, has coordinated efforts with local administrative authorities to enhance population protection. While no incidents comparable to Hound© have been reported since the current rainy season began, maintaining vigilance is deemed crucial by the National Fire Brigade.