Chad’s capital is grappling with a significant crisis as the Logone River has surged to its highest level in nearly four decades, according to local authorities. This alarming increase, reported on Wednesday, comes as the nation continues to endure devastating flooding that has persisted for several weeks, creating widespread disruption and distress among the population.
The ongoing monsoon season has brought above-average rainfall to West and Central Africa, resulting in severe flooding across the region. Chad has been identified as the worst-affected country, with approximately 1.9 million people impacted as of October 5, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This unprecedented flooding has overwhelmed communities, leading to loss of homes, displacement, and significant challenges in accessing essential services.
By Wednesday morning, the Logone River reached a staggering 8.18 meters, exceeding previous forecasts and raising concerns about further flooding. “This unprecedented level has not been recorded for at least 30 to 40 years,” said Sakine Youssouf, head of the National Meteorology Agency, highlighting the severity of the current situation and its potential consequences for the surrounding areas.
In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Allah Maye Halina convened a meeting with the national flood management committee to devise an urgent action plan. The floods have notably affected eight of N’Djamena’s ten districts and 17 out of 23 provinces in Chad, heightening the urgency for effective intervention. With communities already facing significant hardships, the government is under pressure to implement measures to mitigate the impact and provide relief to those affected.
