Floods in Chad affect 1.5 million since start of rainy season, claim 341 lives
Heavy seasonal rains since late July 2024 in the Niger River’s inland Delta in Mali have led to severe flooding in Chad, claiming at least 341 lives and affecting around 1.5 million people. 1.17 million of those affected live in just 8 of the 23 affected provinces.
Image credit: Doctors Without Borders
Severe flooding in Chad, caused by torrential downpours, has affected approximately 1.5 million people across all 23 provinces. According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC), the floods are primarily due to heavy rains in the Niger River’s inland delta in Mali.
Chad has been experiencing heavy rains and flooding since late July, with conditions worsening over time. The floods have resulted in at least 341 deaths and have severely impacted 250 000 ha (617 763 acres) of land and 265 000 homes.
Of those affected, 1.17 million people reside in just eight of the 23 provinces, including Tandjilé, Mayo-Kebbi Est, and Lac.
Eastern Chad, along with several other regions in Africa, recorded an excess of 100 to 150 mm (3.9 to 5.9 inches) of rainfall between September 3 and September 9, exacerbating the crisis.
In recent years, this region has experienced increasing incidents of floods due to heavy rainfall. These floods often result from the overflow of rivers and seasonal watercourses, which can inundate villages, destroy homes, and damage crops.
The floods can also hinder access to clean water and sanitation, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases.
Chad is known for experiencing significant flooding, particularly during the rainy season, which typically occurs from June to September. The country has a large number of rivers and lakes, such as the Chari and Logone rivers, which can overflow during periods of intense rain, leading to widespread flooding.
Given Chad’s limited resources and infrastructure, managing and mitigating the impacts of flooding is a significant challenge for the country.
References:
1 Climate Prediction Center’s Africa Hazards Outlook For USAID / FEWS-NET 12 – September 18, 2024 – NOAA CPC – Accessed on September 18, 2024
2 Chad Flash Update – September 2024 – UNFPA– Accessed on September 18, 2024
3 Chad – Floods, update(UNFPA, NOAA-CPC) – DG Echo Flash – September 17, 2024
4 Chad Situation Report #1 – July 2024 – UNFPA – Accessed on September 18, 2024
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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