Legendary city faces huge flooding threat

The ancient city of Timbuktu – a Unesco-designated world heritage site that has attracted intrepid travellers throughout the centuries – is in danger of being severely damaged by heavy rains and floods.

The ancient city, which is comprised partly of ancient mud buildings dating back some 600 years, had already been damaged when an inch of rain fell several weeks back. According to the BBC News website there is more rain forecast for the Malian city – and there are real fears that the river Niger could burst its banks and cause irreparable damage to Timbuktu.

Residents have already been asked to move away from particular areas identified as being in danger of flooding, and authorities are also asking people to place sandbags along the banks of the river. Timbuktu used to be an important trading centre and one of the most influential and richest cities in Africa, but is now recognised as one of the poorest on the continent.

For the full report visit the BBC website