Nearly 200 000 people affected by major flooding after record rains hit Chad

Some 190 000 people across Chad have been affected by severe flooding triggered by record downpours since early August. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 120 000 of these victims have been displaced– much of the affected were in the capital city of N'Djamena, where 10 people have died across seven departments due to flash flood-related incidents.

Some of the victims have sought shelter with other relatives and friends as numerous houses have been damaged or destroyed.

"The flooding has exacerbated the already challenging situation for many of the most vulnerable N'djamenois, who are now seeking refuge in local school buildings after having lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods," Anne Schaefer added, IOM Chad's chief of mission.

At least 10 people have died across seven departments in N'djamena after severe flooding. Hundreds of houses were damaged or destroyed, displacing thousands of people.

Flooding also struck other parts of the country, including the Lac Province, which already hosts 6 807 displaced persons– 33 000 of them were evacuated due to flooding. 

"Not only does the damage caused by floods exacerbate the risks of COVID-19 due to unsanitary conditions, [but] there are [also] very high risks of cholera and malaria outbreaks as water levels rise and water stagnates in the city," Schaefer noted. 

This year, the Lake Region has had its highest rainfall in almost 30 years.

"According to the food security cluster, we are at 400 mm (16 inches) of rainfall and the rain continues," said Mouftah Mohamed, IOM Head of sub-office at Bagasola in the Lake province.

"That is why we are witnessing the flash flooding of villages and fields which leaves thousands of persons displaced."

Featured image credit: Alwihda Info/YouTube