Torrential rains cause deadly floods in West and Central Africa

Torrential rains have caused catastrophic flooding across Central and West Africa, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and displacing hundreds of thousands. The floods have particularly impacted Nigeria, Chad, Mali, and Niger, exacerbating existing humanitarian crises. In Nigeria's Borno state, which has faced ongoing violence from Boko Haram, local authorities report that 15% of Maiduguri remains underwater, with significant damage to infrastructure and loss of livestock. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources. The United Nations has indicated that more than 4 million people have been affected by flooding this year, a threefold increase from the previous year. Many residents, like Harira Adamou, face dire living conditions, with mud huts at risk of collapse and little to no state support. The floods have also led to the escape of numerous reptiles from the Borno State Museum Park, further complicating the situation for residents. As the region grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the humanitarian crisis is expected to worsen, with predictions that up to 118 million Africans could be affected by extreme weather by 2030. The combination of natural disasters and ongoing conflict has created a precarious situation for many communities, leaving them vulnerable and in need of urgent assistance. Local residents are stepping up to help one another, with some organizing rescue efforts and providing food for those displaced. However, the lack of adequate support from authorities highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to address both the immediate and long-term impacts of these devastating floods.