Climate change is causing severe flooding in Africa, particularly impacting Nigeria’s Kogi state and worsening conditions for millions. Individuals like Idris Egbunu experience recurrent devastation of their homes annually. Reports indicate that 6.9 million people have been affected by flooding in West and Central Africa in 2024, signaling an urgent need for action against climate change and better urban planning.
In Africa, climate change has exacerbated flooding, particularly impacting residents in Nigeria’s Kogi state, who face annual inundations. Idris Egbunu, a 67-year-old resident, reflects the plight of many as the Niger River floods devastate homes, resulting in repeated costs for repairs. The situation is dire across the continent, with approximately 6.9 million individuals affected by severe flooding in West and Central Africa in 2024 alone, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Notably, the floods that struck Nigeria in 2022 resulted in substantial fatalities and the displacement of over 1.4 million people. This year, Sandra Musa, an adviser to Kogi’s governor, has observed markedly unfavorable conditions, estimating that two million individuals in the state have been impacted. The continual flooding has led to residents like Fatima Bilyaminu, who rely on boats to access their homes, losing their belongings and facing impossible choices regarding housing.
The catastrophic flooding in Africa, worsened by climate change, has become a chronic issue over the past decade. Regions like Kogi state in Nigeria report intensified flooding since 2012, with global climate patterns causing increased rainfall and unpredictable weather. Despite contributing a mere four percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa faces disproportionate effects from climate change, culminating in severe flooding and other extreme weather events. In 2023, the continent holds the record for extraordinary rainfall, resulting in significant disruptions to communities and jeopardizing food security.
The flooding crisis in Africa, aggravated by climate change, disproportionately affects millions, leading to destruction, loss of livelihood, and urgent calls for comprehensive action. The testimonies from individuals such as Idris Egbunu and Fatima Bilyaminu illustrate the personal toll of these natural disasters. Furthermore, experts emphasize the critical need for global action on greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate future weather extremities, reflecting that the responsibility transcends regional boundaries and requires unified international efforts.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
