Overview of the 2024 Flood Crisis in West and Central Africa
In 2024, flooding across 14 nations in West and Central Africa has affected 4 million people, with significant loss of life and livelihood. Increased rainfall has caused major runoff, leading to critical conditions in Cameroon and Niger. The ongoing crisis, compounded by drought in some areas, threatens food security for 2025, necessitating urgent humanitarian interventions.
The year 2024 has witnessed devastating flooding events across 14 countries in West and Central Africa, resulting in unprecedented loss of life and livelihood. An estimated 4 million people have been impacted, primarily due to increased rainfall intensity and volume, leading to significant runoff and the failure of water retention systems, notably in Maiduguri, Nigeria, and Mayo Danay, Cameroon. Concurrently, some regions, such as Burkina Faso and Ghana, are experiencing drought due to below-average rainfall, raising humanitarian concerns about food production.
Since July, major river basins in the region have exhibited a rising rainfall trend, with amounts surpassing long-term averages. The Niger and Senegal basins are witnessing rainfall levels at a standard deviation above historical norms, while in the Lake Chad basin, the trend exceeds two standard deviations. Historical patterns suggest that rain may continue until late October, potentially prolonging the flooding situation and heightening humanitarian crises.
As of August 22, the government of Niger reported 217 fatalities, 200 injuries, and over 350,000 individuals rendered homeless due to flooding. In Cameroon, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted several floods since August 19, causing critical conditions in the Logone et Chari and Mayo Danay divisions. Additionally, in early September, UNFPA reported severe wind and rainfall that destroyed 1,700 homes, displacing around 3,300 people.
The repercussions of flooding are extensive, extending beyond mere displacement, as they pose significant risks to food security for the year 2025. The intertwined challenges of flooding and drought demand urgent attention and intervention to mitigate the humanitarian impacts in the region.
In conclusion, the flooding crisis in West and Central Africa in 2024 has led to extensive humanitarian challenges, affecting millions. The dual threats of flooding and drought underline the urgency for comprehensive interventions to address immediate humanitarian needs and future food security. As rainfall patterns evolve, continued vigilance and support for affected communities will be critical in the coming months.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
