West and Central Africa: Flooding Situation Overview - as of 15 July 2024

FLOODING SITUATION OVERVIEW

In West and Central Africa, the effects of climate change encompass both slow-onset phenomena, such as rising temperatures, droughts and soil degradation, as well as sudden-onset events, such as recurring floods, with far-reaching impacts on people’s well-being. The year 2023 was characterized by heavy rains, and the overflow of dams and rivers, leading to significant flooding in 13 countries including the Central African Republic, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Niger.

The 2024 seasonal forecast predicts above-average cumulative rainfall over the June to August and July to September periods, that could impact people and their livelihoods, as well as access to basic social services across the region. These forecasts are in the process of being corroborated. As of early July 2024, 271,000 people have been affected by floods in the Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Togo and Niger.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo – as in the same period in 2023 – remains the worst-hit country, with 182,000 affected people (approximately two-thirds of all affected people), followed by Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, with 74,000 people affected altogether. The floods severely had an impact on livelihoods and basic social services, and 26,000 houses have been destroyed or damaged in five countries. In addition, about 3,700 persons have been displaced, mainly in Côte d'Ivoire and the Central African Republic. At least nine health facilities and 53 schools were affected by high water levels. More than 2,050 hectares of farmland were affected, with potential catastrophic effects on food production and security. At least 33 people died and 154 are still missing since the beginning of the floods. In addition, crop and fodder losses, proliferation of waterborne and diarrhoeal disease germs, have been noted.

Floods pose a significant logistical challenge for the efficient delivery of aid, resulting in delays in providing life-saving assistance also exposing humanitarian workers to considerable risks. In many countries of the region, responding to the needs of flood-affected populations further strain already limited humanitarian resources. To the extent possible, preventive and mitigation measures should be implemented wherever feasible to mitigate the impact of climate events, particularly in densely populated areas.