"Tahoua [southern region] is the most bereaved with 12 dead, followed by Maradi [south] with 10 and Zinder [south] with six," the report said, citing updated figures from a department of the Interior ministry.

"Two deaths were reported in Tillaberi [western region], one in Niamey [capital] and one in Diffa [south-eastern region]."

According to the report, nine were killed after the houses they were staying in collapsed, while 23 perished by drowning.

Deadly torrential rains hit landlocked Niger every rainy season, which generally lasts between three and four months, from mid-June to mid-October.