Severe floods in Chad and Nigeria have affected over 2.1 million people, resulting in more than 1,000 deaths and significant property loss. The flooding has displaced nearly one million individuals, disrupting livelihoods and initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. Humanitarian aid organizations, notably SOS Children’s Villages, are calling for urgent support to assist the most vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Torrential rains have led to catastrophic flooding across Chad and Nigeria, impacting over 2.1 million individuals, resulting in tragically more than 1,000 fatalities, and displacing nearly one million people from their homes. The flooding, which began in July, has permeated all provinces of Chad, claiming the lives of 341 individuals and displacing over 1.5 million people. Numerous homes have been destroyed, forcing displaced families to seek refuge in makeshift accommodations, including schools and temporary shelters. Richard Ndoutabet Ngardoum, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Chad, expressed grave concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis, stating the urgent needs for shelter, food, potable water, hygiene products, and healthcare. He highlighted that “community families and their children are the worst affected, and the situation is very critical. On the ground, our teams see urgent needs for shelter, food, access to drinking water, hygiene supplies, and healthcare.” He also noted that the recurrent occurrence of floods exacerbates poverty, severely damaging livelihoods. The loss of over 60,000 livestock and the inundation of 250,000 hectares of farmland have direct ramifications on food security. The affected populations are now heavily reliant on humanitarian assistance for survival. As schools are occupied by displaced families, Richard further added, “Temporary shelters will soon need to close, but the needs remain immense. The rainy season lasts until October, and the rain forecasts do not point to a decrease.” The destruction of vital infrastructure complicates the delivery of humanitarian aid, aggravating the risk of waterborne diseases, particularly cholera. Richard called for urgent assistance, expressing hope for support similar to the response during the 2022 floods, allowing families to access essential goods and services. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, particularly in Borno State, over 600,000 individuals have been adversely affected. Eghosa Erhumwunse, the National Director for SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, detailed the dire situation, noting an urgent need for support to assist communities already facing humanitarian emergencies. Despite the challenges, N’Djamena has reported no damages, and emergency support for displaced families continues in the Lake Chad region. The SOS MAYDAY Emergency Relief Fund is instrumental in providing swift assistance to affected families and reinforcing community resilience against future disasters.
The issue of flooding in West and Central Africa, particularly in Chad and Nigeria, is a recurring humanitarian crisis exacerbated by climatic changes and inadequate infrastructure. The region has suffered extensively from heavy rainfall, leading to significant loss of life, destruction of property, and long-term implications on food security and livelihoods. The repeated incidences of flooding underscore the vulnerability of these communities and the urgent need for sustained humanitarian efforts. Organizations like SOS Children’s Villages are actively mobilizing resources to aid those affected, particularly children who are disproportionately impacted in such emergencies.
The recent floods in Chad and Nigeria constitute a devastating humanitarian crisis impacting millions. The loss of life, destruction of homes, and disruption of livelihoods highlight the urgent need for international assistance. As families cope with the aftermath of the floods, the emphasis on providing essential services and support is critical. The community’s resilience can only be strengthened through collective action and sustained humanitarian aid.
Original Source: www.soschildrensvillages.ca
