Floods and Humanitarian Disasters in the Senegal River Basin

Floods in the Senegal River basin have become recurrent despite rainfall variability. The Senegal River valley is becoming increasingly accustomed to floods leading to population displacement and the submersion of hydro-agricultural development. During the 2023-2024 hydrological year, the Senegal River basin was severely affected, resulting in a major humanitarian crisis. However, early warning systems, including those of Agrhymet, the Senegal River Development Organization (OMVS), meteorological services (ANACIM), and national hydrological services Water Resources Management and Planning Department, had provided early information on rainfall and annual flood evolution in the sub-region. Flooding in the Senegal River basin has had a significant impact on the environment. The article analyzes the flood of 2023-2024, which severely affected several communities. The Standardized Flow Index (SFI) and break detection method are used to analyze the hydrological situation. Statistical analysis of flood frequency based on return periods was determined by Hyfran Plus. The results show that the 2023-2024 hydrological year is not exceptional. Extreme events have return periods of ten years. Adaptation measures, such as strengthening flood protection infrastructure and water resource management, are needed to increase the resilience of populations and ecosystems.