Just as millions of children were meant to return to class today, Senegal has hit pause because much of the country is still underwater.

Here’s the story, as reported by cbinews.tv:

Senegal has postponed the start of its school year across the country after torrential downpours from Friday to Monday left at least five people dead and paralysed parts of the capital, Dakar.

It’s an unprecedented move in recent years. Primary and secondary schools will now start on 12 October instead of today, 6 October.

Why? The Education Ministry says it’s “driven primarily by the need to ensure the safety and protection” of children, and to allow time for the cleaning, sanitation and restoration of flooded classrooms.

Think of families in Pikine and Guediawaye, suburbs of Dakar, wading through knee-deep water with books in plastic bags, roads impassable, power and water supplies at risk. Operations are underway to clear roads and get aid through, but forecasts warn more rain is coming.

This isn’t just bad luck. Senegal’s rainy season runs June to October, but climate shocks are making it harsher. Back in 2024, the Senegal River burst its banks, affecting more than 56,000 people in the east. And the timing is critical: the country is weeks away from hosting the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics.

Authorities are now racing to disinfect schools, protect infrastructure and rehouse the displaced. Long-term, experts say Dakar’s rapid urbanisation and blocked drainage systems leave it dangerously exposed.

For now, it’s safety first, school second.

Source: cbinews.tv

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