The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that catastrophic flooding continues in the West and Central Africa region, affecting some 7.1 million people across 16 countries. In an update on Monday, OCHA said that Chad, Niger, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are the most affected countries, accounting for 80 percent of the total number of people affected.
As of October 31, Chad remains the hardest-hit country (1.9 million people affected by flooding), followed by Niger (1.4 million), Nigeria (1.3 million) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (1.1 million). Cameroon and Mali are among the six most seriously affected countries.
More than 1,500 people have died and some 4,500 have been injured in the current floods. Nearly 1 million people have been displaced in 11 different countries, most of them in Nigeria (729,000).
OCHA reports that the floods have caused extensive damage to more than 620,000 homes, as well as hundreds of schools and health facilities, and warns that although rainfall in the Sahel is decreasing, it continues to cause damage and affect new populations. The situation is likely to worsen, particularly in Central Africa, where the rainy season continues into next month.
Agricultural land has been devastated, with the total area unsuitable for crop and livestock production now standing at some 951,000 hectares. It is estimated that approximately 128,000 head of cattle have been swept away by the floods so far this year.
In its latest situation report, OCHA stresses that the overall number of people affected and the impact on agricultural production and the food and nutritional security of vulnerable communities is far greater than in previous years.
The UN humanitarian office warns that the humanitarian situation will worsen unless effective action is taken. The floods are compounding existing complex challenges caused by conflict and previous natural disasters.
While the UN and partner relief agencies continue to help countries respond by providing food, clean water, cash assistance, shelter support and health services, these efforts are severely limited by a lack of funding.
OCHA also warns that women and girls face increased protection risks in overcrowded sites, while 10 million children have had their education disrupted.
The Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, has allocated $38.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for six countries: Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Nigeria, and the Republic of Congo. According to OCHA, this amount exceeds the total amount of CERF funding for flood response over the past four years.