Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Unprecedented Floods Devastate West and Central Africa

September 24, 2024

More than 4 million people across West and Central Africa are grappling with the effects of unprecedented flooding, with heavy rains forecasted to continue. This year's flooding has been one of the most severe and destructive in decades and women and children are bearing the brunt of the disaster. 

On September 10, flash floods devastated Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Nigeria, after the Alau Dam overflowed. Thousands of people were displaced, entire neighborhoods submerged, and critical infrastructure destroyed. Nearly two weeks later, although the floodwaters are receding, the humanitarian needs remain overwhelming. Families are still without access to clean water, food, and shelter while the risk of waterborne diseases increases. The Nigerian government has further warned of potential flooding in 11 states due to water releases from dams in neighboring Cameroon. 

Hannoki Ali, a mother of nine whose family survived the flood, shared her traumatic experience: "In the early hours of September 10, our entire community was submerged, forcing us to flee with nothing. We spent days on the streets, scavenging for essentials. When we returned, our house was half-destroyed, and we have no idea how to survive." 

Dr. Fatim Haidara, Mercy Corps' Regional Director for West and Central Africa, says: 

"What we’re seeing in West and Central Africa is one of the worst flooding seasons in recent history. This is a stark reminder of the catastrophic toll of climate change on already fragile communities. These floods are not isolated incidents—they are part of a broader, disturbing trend of increasingly severe climate events with devastating effects. 

“The floods are destroying food systems in addition to washing away homes. In countries like Nigeria where over 32 million people already face severe food insecurity, the timing of the floods just before harvest season is particularly devastating. With crop fields wiped out, infrastructure damaged, and millions of livelihoods destroyed, the ripple effects will have long-term consequences on food security in the region and beyond. Worse still, humanitarian budgets are overstretched and unable to meet the significant needs emerging from this crisis. 

“Humanitarian aid alone cannot address the scale of this disaster. As world leaders gather at Climate Week in New York, this crisis underscores the urgent need for climate adaptation and decisive action. Global leaders must act now to protect vulnerable communities from the devastating impacts of climate change, which are costing lives and livelihoods. We need robust investments in early warning systems and disaster preparedness to protect lives and prevent future tragedies." 

Mercy Corps has been responding to the crisis across the hardest-hit countries in West and Central Africa, providing emergency food assistance, clean water, hygiene kits, and cash assistance. In partnership with local governments and international donors, Mercy Corps is also helping communities build long-term resilience against future climate shocks.  

Photos and short B-roll are available to download for free use here. 

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