A study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) attributed severe flooding due to extreme rainfall in five African nations to anthropogenic climate change, revealing that global warming has intensified rainfall by 5 to 20 percent in the region. The floods have resulted in an estimated 2,000 deaths and millions displaced, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and climate adaptation strategies. The occurrence of such extreme events is expected to increase as global temperatures rise.
A recent study conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) has attributed the devastating extreme rainfall and resultant flooding in five African countries—Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad—to anthropogenic climate change. Released on October 23, 2024, this report indicates that global warming has intensified the rainfall during this current rainy season by approximately five to twenty percent across the Niger and Lake Chad regions. The findings emphasize that anthropogenic climate change has rendered such severe weather events increasingly common and anticipates that they will worsen with further global temperature increases. The impact of the rainfall has been catastrophic, resulting in an estimated 2,000 deaths and the displacement of millions, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Over the last four decades, the frequency of intense rainfall over prolonged periods in parts of Sudan has escalated by about 18 percent, corroborating the link between climate change and extreme weather phenomena. The study further highlights that, with the expectation of a 2°C rise in global temperatures, future rainfall events will likely be even more severe than those witnessed in the current year. Moreover, these extreme weather events compound existing predicaments such as conflict, mass displacement, deteriorating public health conditions, acute food insecurity, and a growing cost of living crisis. Vulnerable communities, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs), face heightened risks due to inadequate access to essential services, rendering them more susceptible to flooding. Significant damage has also been reported from floods in West and Central Africa, including the escalation of waterborne diseases like cholera, which has already resulted in over 350 fatalities in Nigeria. To address these challenges, the WWA experts have advocated for improved dam maintenance and investment in early warning systems. The study also highlighted the urgent need for better water governance and adaptation strategies, particularly regarding shared water resources to mitigate the adverse effects of climate extremes.
The increasing severity of extreme weather events in Africa can be largely attributed to human-induced climate change. As global temperatures rise, regions such as the Niger and Lake Chad basins experience intensified rainfall patterns, leading to significant flooding. This not only results in loss of life and displacement but also aggravates existing challenges related to infrastructure, public health, and food security. The interplay of climate change with underlying social issues, such as conflict and urbanization, creates a complex environment that exacerbates vulnerability.
In conclusion, the WWA’s study sheds light on the alarming effects of anthropogenic climate change manifested in catastrophic rainfall and flooding across several African countries. With global warming heightening the intensity of such extreme weather events, urgent action is required to bolster infrastructure resilience, enhance disaster preparedness, and address the multifaceted vulnerabilities faced by affected communities. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for effective climate action and sustainable resource management.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
