Advocacy note: Emergency flooding response in West and Central Africa - October 2024

Produced by OCHA’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa, in collaboration with the Humanitarian Advocacy and Communication Technical Working Group and other regional working groups. OCHA thanks all partners who provided inputs.

OVERVIEW

Since June 2024, torrential rains and severe flooding have affected 6.9 million people in West and Central Africa, causing further displacement, injuries and deaths. So far, Chad is the worst-hit country, with 1.9 million people affected, followed by Niger, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

More than 1 million people have been internally displaced as of 16 October in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Mali, Central African Republic, Guinea, Chad, The Gambia, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. Nigeria recorded the highest number of people internally displaced (714,000).

Flooding has destroyed critical infrastructure, housing and caused material losses. Access to livelihoods and land as well as basic social services are critically limited, including health and education. Flooding has also led some countries to declare a natural disaster and seek international support while some including Niger and Mali postponed the start of the new academic year.

In addition, access to affected people is challenging for humanitarians, especially in hard-to-reach areas where floods have destroyed bridges and roads. The floods exacerbate the vulnerability of many individuals and communities already significantly impacted by conflict and violence in the region - exposing them to increased protection risks. Vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons, returnees and refugees, and those already affected by crises are often those most affected by the floods. Most at risk groups include women and girls, children, people with disabilities, people with chronic diseases and the elderly.

Humanitarian partners are providing assistance to the most vulnerable. As of 17 October, the Central Emergency Response Fund allocated US$ 38.5 million in 2024 to support to support urgent response in affected areas. However, the needs remain high and additional resources are required.