Senegal postpones school reopening after deadly floods

Senegal has postponed the start of the new school year nationwide following heavy rains and flooding that have claimed several lives in recent days.

The West African country experienced torrential rain from Friday to Monday, flooding several regions and paralyzing parts of the capital Dakar. Several neighborhoods were submerged and major roads were cut off.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said the storms had caused loss of life but did not provide a death toll. Local media reported that a mother and child drowned in their home in Dakar overnight Sunday to Monday.

Senegal's rainy season normally runs from June to October.

The Education Ministry said the postponement was primarily aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of children. 

It will also allow authorities to clean, sanitize, disinfect and restore schools affected by the flooding.

Primary and secondary schools were scheduled to reopen on Wednesday but will now begin classes next Monday. 

The postponement is the first of its kind in recent years.

The flooding comes as forecasters warn of an El Niño weather event expected to affect Africa and other parts of the world in the coming months. 

The phenomenon can alter global wind, pressure and rainfall patterns and may compound the effects of climate change, which is contributing to more extreme weather events.

(With input from wires)