West and Central Africa: Flooding Situation Overview - as of 22 September 2024

FLOODING SITUATION OVERVIEW

Torrential rains and severe flooding have affected more than 4.4 million people in
West and Central Africa so far in 2024. This represents an increase of 2.1 million
people compared to the number affected as of 31 August. The most affected
countries are Chad with 1.5 million affected people, followed by Nigeria with over 1.1
million and Niger with 710,767; and then Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the
Congo and Mali with 753,828 altogether. As of 22 September, more than 740,000
people have been internally displaced due to flooding in eight countries: Nigeria,
Liberia, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, The
Gambia, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire. Floods are also severely affecting livelihoods and
access to basic social services. More than 436,000 houses were destroyed or
damaged across 14 countries, almost quadrupling the number since July. Flooding
also affected 138 schools, and 52 health facilities.

In the first three weeks of September alone, nearly 2.1 million people were affected
in the region. The heavy rains during this period impacted 15 countries, with 8
experiencing population displacement and 14 having houses destroyed or damaged.

Additionally, 513 people were reported dead and 776 injured. Furthermore, 119,000
hectares of agricultural land were affected, bringing the total area unsuitable for
agricultural and livestock production to 498,614 hectares. An estimated 67,305 head
of cattle were swept away by the floods during this period, raising the total to
103,751 for the year 2024.

Overall, the number of people affected, and the impact on agricultural production, and
therefore on the food and nutrition security of vulnerable communities, has exceeded
those of previous years. The humanitarian situation will deteriorate unless effective
action is taken. Humanitarian partners and governments have already issued several
alerts with the aim of meeting the needs of affected people.