Turkey has declared a day of national mourning following catastrophic floods in Niger that killed dozens and left hundreds homeless.
The Turkish government lowered flags to half-mast nationwide in solidarity with the victims, as rescue teams scrambled to provide aid to affected communities.
The floods, triggered by torrential rains, submerged entire villages in Niger’s southwestern regions, destroying homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure. Local authorities reported at least 50 fatalities, with many more injured or missing.
In a statement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences, calling the disaster a “heartbreaking tragedy.” Turkey’s disaster relief agency, AFAD, has dispatched emergency supplies, including food, medicine, and tents, to assist survivors.
The Nigerien government has appealed for international support as forecasts warn of more heavy rainfall. Climate experts link the increasing frequency of extreme floods in the region to global warming, urging long-term mitigation strategies.
