Just two months into the 2024 rainy season, West and Central Africa have faced severe weather, with torrential rains and flooding impacting 716,473 people across the Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, and Togo. The intense conditions have claimed at least 72 lives due to drowning and left 699 others injured.
The Head of the UN Humanitarian Coordination Office for West and Central Africa remarked on the pressing issue, saying, “We consistently raise awareness about the real-life effects of climate change—how it disrupts homes, agriculture, education, and healthcare. It is imperative to invest meaningfully and strategically to prepare communities and reduce the worst impacts in advance.”
Chad has been particularly hard hit, with 246,883 people affected by severe flooding in just a few weeks. These recurring floods have disrupted essential services and livelihoods, pushing affected communities into reliance on aid for survival.
The impact on infrastructure and services is significant, with many schools and health centers destroyed or damaged, impeding access to education and healthcare. Additionally, food security is compromised, as 25,726 hectares of farmland have been damaged and 4,205 livestock lost.
Around 62,000 homes have been either destroyed or damaged, displacing 54,772 individuals, including women, children, and men. Nigeria and Chad have reported the highest levels of displacement, with 45,797 and 5,286 people, respectively.
The 2024 seasonal forecast anticipated above-average rainfall for the June to August and July to September periods, especially in areas prone to flooding in the Sahel and parts of West Africa. This ongoing situation intensifies the needs of populations already vulnerable due to poverty, underdevelopment, and conflict, increasing the demand for humanitarian assistance.
This year, the Central Emergency Response Fund has directed nearly US$10 million to Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Niger to address climate-related emergencies, including severe flooding.
A spokesperson highlighted, “Assuming there is time to address the climate crisis in West and Central Africa is a mistake. Failing to act now to mitigate the effects of flooding, drought, and soil erosion will lead to even greater challenges and costs for the most vulnerable people in these regions.” They emphasized that while effective solutions are available, they require prompt implementation and adequate funding.
