Severe Flooding Devastates West and Central Africa

Severe flooding in West and Central Africa has impacted over four million people across six countries, including Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, CBC News reported yesterday.

The World Health Organization reports more than 1,000 fatalities and over 300,000 homes destroyed. In Maiduguri, Nigeria, residents witnessed horrific scenes as floodwaters swept away houses and infrastructure, displacing over 500,000 individuals.

Survivors recount desperate moments, with some, like Aishatu Ba’agana, losing family members in the chaos. The floods have also crippled essential infrastructure, including two major dikes along Lake Alau, releasing 540 billion liters of water into the city. In Niger, over 841,000 people have been affected, with hundreds killed and many displaced.

Despite Africa’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains highly vulnerable to extreme weather. Experts warn that adapting to such events could cost $30-50 billion annually in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade, potentially affecting up to 118 million people by 2030.