In Togo, the first rains fell this week and, with them, the damage. Some areas of the capital are already flooded as the rainy season has only just begun. This has led to the search for rehousing solutions for many families. RFI went to meet them.
With our correspondent in Lomé, Peter Sassou Dogbe
The entire Sagbado Zanvi district has its feet in the water. The houses have not collapsed but they are all invaded by rainwater. Thomas and his family, settled there for five years, are forced to seek refuge.
” Since two o’clock in the morning since the rain started, my children and I have had water up to our knees. I am 1.60m tall. The time to arrive in the yard, then outside, we have water up to our hips. Right now, all my belongings are in the water. They are generous people who grant us the lodging. »
Her son, a university student, does not understand what is happening to them. All his documents and those of his brothers are in the water.
After these first rains and the damage caused, the authorities reacted. The basins built to retain rainwater did not resist, according to a press release from the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection. Several retention basins did not withstand the shock, overflowing and causing flooding in several neighborhoods, the document specifies.
Pumping operations have been underway for 72 hours and many residents have had to leave their homes. The weather forecast predicts even more thunderstorms in the coming days.
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