In 2024, floods across West and Central Africa have severely impacted 4 million people in 14 countries, primarily due to excessive rainfall. While some areas face catastrophic flooding, others, like Burkina Faso and Ghana, are encountering drought. The situation poses serious humanitarian and food security challenges as rainfall trends indicate sustained concerns through October.
The year 2024 has witnessed devastating floods impacting 14 countries across West and Central Africa, with approximately 4 million individuals affected. This deluge results from intensified rainfall, leading to significant runoff and the failure of water retention infrastructures, as seen in Maiduguri, Nigeria, and Mayo Danay, Cameroon. Additionally, some regions, such as Burkina Faso and Ghana, are experiencing below-average rainfall, contributing to a critical drought situation.
Notably, the major river basins in the region have been registering an upward trend in rainfall since early July, with current levels surpassing long-term averages significantly. Regions like the Niger and Senegal basins report rainfall levels exceeding one standard deviation above normal. The Lake Chad basin presents an alarming trend, with rainfall increasing beyond two standard deviations, implying challenges of ongoing floods into October, which may exacerbate humanitarian issues.
Reports from Niger on August 22 indicated a toll of 217 fatalities, alongside 200 injuries and over 350,000 individuals rendered homeless due to floods. In Cameroon, OCHA has documented numerous floods beginning August 19, affecting areas like the Logone et Chari and Mayo Danay divisions critically by the month’s end. Additionally, in early September, UNFPA noted that strong winds and heavy rain caused the destruction of 1,700 homes, displacing 3,300 residents.
The ramifications of these floods extend beyond mere displacement, posing significant threats to food security for 2025. The interplay of floods and drought in the region underscores an urgent need for comprehensive humanitarian response strategies to mitigate these impacts.
In conclusion, the catastrophic flooding in West and Central Africa during 2024 has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, affected millions, and resulted in significant loss of life and livelihoods. While some areas face devastating floods, others are grappling with drought conditions, creating a complex scenario that threatens food security and requires immediate response. The ongoing trends in rainfall necessitate vigilance and proactive measures to address both flooding and drought impacts in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
