Floods affect over 1 million people in Chad, more than half of capital N’Djamena underwater

Authorities in Chad declared a state of emergency last week due to widespread floods affecting more than 1 million people. The floods affected 18 of the country’s 23 provinces.

One of the worst-affected areas is the capital N’Djamena with more than half of it underwater and 50 000 people forced to evacuate their homes.

The city has been dealing with intense rainfall for months due to an unusually active wet season. In October, torrential rains pushed the already high Logone and Chari Rivers beyond their banks. This sent large amounts of water spilling into N’Djamena’s 9^th District, especially the Digangali and Walia neighborhoods.¹

Although parts of Chad are faced with heavy rainfall each year, the precipitation seen in 2022 is unprecedented, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration.²

Swollen rivers have destroyed over 470 000 ha (1 161 395 acres) of crops and farming land sparking fears of food shortage.

Across the country, more than 19 000 cattle were swept away.

References:

¹ Flooding in N’Djamena – Earth Observatory – October 26, 2022

² Chad declares state of emergency as floods affect over 1M people – Africanews – October 20, 2022

Featured image: N’Djamena flood – October 23, 2022. Credit: Landsat 8 — OLI, Earth Observatory