NIAMEY — A devastating incident in the Tillia area of Niger has resulted in at least 52 fatalities, with several individuals still missing, following severe flooding that swept through the region between August 12 and 13, 2024. The flooding led to the tragic drowning of passengers traveling through the area.

According to Burkina Information Agency, two vehicles carrying passengers to the weekly Telemces market were overwhelmed by the waters of the kori of Garin Ali, following intense rainfall. The kori, situated 70 km north of Tahoua, was swollen with water from the valley, proving fatal for the travelers. Despite the efforts of passengers to resist the flood, the vehicles were eventually submerged, leading to significant loss of life and ongoing search operations. The region's inaccessible terrain has complicated recovery efforts, with the National Guard and Gendarmerie working tirelessly to reach the affected areas. Most of the victims were locals from Tahoua, Taza, and Igawane, traveling for trade purposes.