Over 1,000 have died and 740,000 displaced due to floods affecting more than 5 million across 16 countries in West and Central Africa. Chad, Niger, and Nigeria are the hardest hit. The UN has allocated $35 million for response efforts, but additional funding is urgently required.
A devastating wave of floods has resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and displaced at least 740,000 individuals across West and Central Africa, as reported by the United Nations on Thursday. The floods have severely impacted more than 5 million people across 16 countries in the region. The countries of Chad, Niger, and Nigeria have suffered the most, encompassing more than 80% of the total affected populace, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The floods, attributed to unprecedented heavy rainfall, have wreaked havoc across central and western Africa, as well as the Sahel region. The resultant destruction has not only led to loss of life but has also caused extensive damage to infrastructure; countless homes, schools, and health care facilities have been affected. Furthermore, approximately half a million acres of farmland have been devastated, posing a significant threat to food security and contributing to increased malnutrition rates, particularly in Chad and Niger. The adverse conditions have exacerbated living situations, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, especially in Niger and Nigeria. Joyce Msuya, the assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and deputy emergency relief coordinator, has announced a $35 million allocation aimed at aiding recovery efforts in the disaster-stricken regions, specifically targeting Chad, Niger, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Congo. Nevertheless, the UN underscored that more financial resources are critically needed to manage the unfolding humanitarian crisis. In Nigeria, the government has received an additional $5 million to support approximately 280,000 people with access to food, clean water, shelter, and preventative measures against potential cholera outbreaks. Despite these efforts, officials noted that Nigeria’s $927 million Humanitarian Response Plan is currently only 46% funded, emphasizing the urgent need for further assistance.
Recent climate patterns have led to heavy rainfall, which has inundated various regions in West and Central Africa. The area has been noted for its vulnerability to seasonal flooding, exacerbated by climate change, which tends to affect agricultural productivity and local economies. The UN has been monitoring the situation closely, providing assistance and resources as needed to alleviate the impacts on the population.
In summary, the flooding crisis in West and Central Africa has wreaked severe consequences, resulting in significant human loss and widespread displacement, mainly affecting Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. With the allocation of funds by the UN, while necessary, it remains paramount that additional resources are gathered to address the growing humanitarian needs of the impacted populations and mitigate further risks, particularly concerning food security and health crises.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
