The 2024 flooding in West and Central Africa has devastated lives, impacting 4 million people across 14 countries due to severe rainfall events. With significant losses reported in Niger and Cameroon, the dual threat of flooding and drought raises critical humanitarian and food security concerns for the future. Immediate governmental and organizational responses are required to address these crises.
In 2024, West and Central Africa faced severe flooding, resulting in unprecedented loss of life and displacement across 14 countries, affecting approximately 4 million individuals. This flooding has been attributed to an increase in rainfall intensity and volume, causing significant dike failures in regions such as Maiduguri, Nigeria, and Mayo Danay, Cameroon. Meanwhile, some areas, including Burkina Faso and Ghana, are experiencing below-average rainfall, leading to drought conditions and potential food shortages.
Since July, major river basins in the region have experienced rising rainfall trends that exceed long-term averages, particularly in the Niger and Senegal river basins, where rainfall levels have surpassed the standard deviation. The situation is most alarming in the Lake Chad basin, where rainfall levels have exceeded two standard deviations above average. Historical patterns indicate that rainfall will persist until late October, raising concerns about continued flooding and its humanitarian impact.
On August 22, the government of Niger reported significant flooding consequences, with 217 reported fatalities, 200 injuries, and over 350,000 individuals displaced. In Cameroon, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted critical flooding in the Logone et Chari and Mayo Danay divisions since August 19. By early September, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported that torrential rains and strong winds had destroyed 1,700 homes and displaced around 3,300 people.
The ramifications of these floods extend beyond displacing populations; they pose a serious threat to food security for the year 2025. The ongoing humanitarian challenges demand urgent attention from local governments and international organizations to mitigate the long-term effects of these crises and support affected communities.
In summary, the flooding in West and Central Africa in 2024 has led to a humanitarian crisis affecting millions, driven by increased rainfall and infrastructure failures. Concurrent droughts in certain areas threaten food security, compounding the region’s challenges. Immediate action is necessary to address the needs of displaced families and ensure long-term recovery and resilience against future disasters.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
