Using temperature and climate as metrics, Mali has three distinct climate zones: the warm desert, the semi-arid zone in the north, and the tropical Savannah in the south. The climate is also divided into three seasons: the dry season from March through June, the rainy season from June until the end of September, and a cold season from October to February. The cold season is known as the time of the harmattan wind, which lowers humidity and causes high winds. These winds can increase fire risk and damage crops.

In the middle of September last year, it was raining heavily in a semi-desert region of Mali. The temperature had cooled, the trees were green, and the air was fresh. From July 29 to August 6, 2024, we experienced extraordinary flooding in many parts of Mali, placing numerous lives and much property in danger. The victims were mostly women and children. In a town called Bla, the Mali metrological station recorded about 100 mm (four inches) of rain, which is high for this region. The rain affected many people, destroyed infrastructure and caused serious economic losses. We have been afraid of an increase in the number of waterborne diseases in the country as a result.

Hydroclimate forecasts for the 2024 rainy season had indicated a high risk of flooding in several regions of Mali, particularly in the basins of the Niger River. We experienced the effects of these floods. In some areas, dams were opened to release pressure due to a rise in water level. The government of Mali declared a national disaster following floods that claimed 54 lives and left 72,000 displaced.

Please pray for the people of Mali.

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