Senegal: 11 killed, 7 injured as building collapses in city of Touba
The building was under construction when it collapsed on Sunday afternoon, local media reported.
National director of construction, Moussa Tine, blamed "non-compliance with construction standards" for the collapse in a statement to local press.
Touba, in central Senegal, is the capital of the Mouride Muslim brotherhood, one of the most important in the West African country.
Undergoing large-scale demographic and economic growth, as is the capital Dakar, Touba is also experiencing an explosion in the construction sector.
But much of that growth is haphazard with some buildings lacking official authorisation.
Building collapse is common in Senegal and is often caused by non-compliance with construction standards, experts say.
In early May, two people were killed in the collapse of a building in Dakar. In January 2024, a similar incident left seven dead.
In July 2023, two buildings under construction collapsed in neighbouring Guinea, killing five people.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Zawya
Scaling-Up Resilience in Africa's Great Green Wall (SURAGGWA) Signing: Senegal and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Unite to Green the Sahel
On July 4th, 2025, the Government of Senegal and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) signed a major partnership agreement to implement the SURAGGWA project (Scaling-Up Resilience in Africa's Great Green Wall), an ambitious programme aimed at strengthening climate resilience in the Sahel region. The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition, in the presence of Professor Daouda Ngom, Minister of Environment, and Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, Acting Subregional Coordinator of FAO for West Africa. A Large-Scale Project in Response to an Ecological Emergency Between 2005 and 2023, Senegal lost nearly 340,000 hectares of forest - an average of 17,000 hectares per year - due to agricultural expansion, bushfires, illegal logging, and overgrazing. This massive deforestation has reduced the carbon absorption capacity of Senegalese forests by nearly 46%, undermining efforts to combat climate change. In this alarming context, the SURAGGWA project takes on its full significance. With a budget of USD 222 million, including USD 150 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the project aims to restore 1.4 million hectares of degraded land, reduce emissions by 65 million tons of CO₂, and sustainably improve the living conditions of 1.9 million people, especially women and youth. Messages of Hope and Responsibility In his address, Minister, Professor Daouda Ngom stated: 'For Senegal, the project plans to restore just over 80,000 hectares of degraded land, which will directly and indirectly benefit thousands of citizens. It will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop value chains for non-timber forest products, and strengthen the institutional capacities of the Senegalese Agency for Reforestation and the Great Green Wall (ASERGMV), to ensure the sustainability of the actions undertaken.' Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya emphasized: 'SURAGGWA is a deeply inclusive project that will build on the commitment of over 15,000 community groups, with at least 30% female participation. It mobilizes governments, civil society, the private sector, and regional institutions in a spirit of synergy and cooperation.' Regional Mobilization to Address a Shared Challenge The SURAGGWA project represents a collective response to desertification and climate instability affecting the Sahel region. Eight countries - Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal - are joining forces to restore land, revitalize local economies, and strengthen social cohesion. Led by the African Union under the Great Green Wall Initiative, SURAGGWA stands as a model of regional and multilateral cooperation, built on three pillars: ecological restoration, sustainable economic development, and environmental governance. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
The National
07-07-2025
- The National
Telecoms disruptions to persist across Cairo as fire damage to main centre is repaired
A fire broke out on Monday evening at Ramses Central, the main telecommunications centre in Cairo, causing disruption to internet, mobile and landline services across the greater city area and parts of Giza. Officials told The National that the fire began in a seventh-floor equipment room before spreading to other floors, trapping some employees in the building. But they were quickly rescued and no casualties have been reported. Thirty-nine people suffered injuries in the fire, according to civil defence officials. Rescue workers suspect that a short-circuit caused the fire but a more thorough investigation is needed. Authorities cut electricity to the building as a precaution while Civil Defence teams tried to extinguish the flames. The fire was brought under control just before midnight after burning for six hours, the officials said. Cooling operations were continuing to prevent any flare-ups. The Ministry of Health reported 14 injuries, including to several firefighters, mainly through smoke inhalation. But this was hours before the fire was fully extinguished and more injuries were added later. The injured, who included 10 firefighters, were taken to hospital for treatment, the ministry said. Internet and mobile connectivity were mainly functional were slow and inconsistent for many users, with phone calls being particularly affected. Officials told The National that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and further disruptions are expected until a complete evaluation and repairs are carried out. They said that repair work is under way and that damages disrupting more populous regions of Cairo will be repaired first. ATM services and money transfer apps across Cairo have also reportedly been affected, according to widespread reports on social media, al though these issues have not been officially confirmed. The National Telecom Regulatory Authority said technical teams are working to restore full service as quickly as possible and are assessing the effect of the fire on critical infrastructure. Customers affected by the cuts are expected to be compensated, the authority said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Egyptian National Railways Authority announced that its nationwide ticket booking system was disrupted due to damaged internet links provided by the Egyptian Telecom Company. Media Production City, which hosts the country's largest TV and radio stations, also issued a statement that while live TV broadcasts were not affected, communications issues had disrupted co-ordination between programme producers and their sources. Ramses Central, built in the 1927 under the reign of King Fuad I, has served as a critical node in Egypt's telecommunications networks for nearly a century.
UAE Moments
28-06-2025
- UAE Moments
High-Rise Fires: Causes and How to Extinguish Them
High-rise buildings present unique fire safety challenges due to their height, dense occupancy, and complex structures. From faulty electrical systems to careless human behavior, understanding the causes of high-rise fires is the first step in prevention and preparedness. Top Causes of Fires in High-Rise Buildings Electrical Malfunctions Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and aging electrical systems are leading causes. Appliances left plugged in or faulty extension cords also contribute. Cooking Accidents Unattended cooking in apartments or staff pantries can quickly escalate. Oil and grease fires are particularly dangerous. Heating Equipment Portable heaters placed too close to flammable materials. Malfunctioning central heating systems. Smoking Materials Cigarettes improperly discarded in trash chutes or near balconies. Often a cause of fires during late-night hours when detection is delayed. Arson and Vandalism Intentional fire setting in stairwells, basements, or storage areas. Sometimes linked to disputes or security lapses. Flammable Materials Storage Cleaning supplies, paint, and solvents stored improperly in maintenance rooms. Inadequate ventilation can increase risk. How to Extinguish Fires in High-Rise Buildings Extinguishing fires in high-rises requires speed, knowledge, and the right equipment: Essential Fire Safety Training for Residents and Staff 1. Fire Extinguisher Training: Learn the PASS technique: Pull the pin Aim at the base Squeeze the handle Sweep side to side 2. Evacuation Drills: Regular drills ensure familiarity with: Primary and secondary escape routes. Designated assembly points. Roles for floor wardens and staff during emergencies. 3. Understanding Fire Alarm Systems: Residents and staff should know: What the alarms sound like. How to respond immediately without panic. How to assist elderly or disabled occupants. 4. Basic Fire Behavior Awareness: Training should cover: How quickly fires can spread in high-rise structures. Dangers of smoke inhalation. Why staying low and checking doors for heat is critical. 5. Maintenance Staff Training: Maintenance personnel should be trained to: Check and maintain fire extinguishers and alarms. Inspect electrical and heating systems regularly. Ensure exits and stairwells are clear at all times. High-rise fires are preventable with vigilance, proper equipment, and consistent training. Understanding the top causes, from electrical faults to human negligence, helps residents and building managers take proactive measures. Remember, while extinguishing small fires is possible, evacuation should always take priority when in doubt. Regular fire safety training can save lives, protect property, and ensure a safer environment for everyone in high-rise buildings.
