Deadly floods in West and Central Africa kill over 1,000

Torrential rains have caused catastrophic flooding across Central and West Africa, leading to over 1,000 fatalities and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. The situation is particularly dire in Borno state, Nigeria, where the governor described the devastation as unimaginable. The floods have exacerbated existing humanitarian crises in Chad, Nigeria, Mali, and Niger, affecting over four million individuals this year alone, a significant increase from the previous year. Rescue operations are ongoing, complicating efforts to determine the full extent of the loss of life. The floods have overwhelmed local authorities, with more than 600,000 people displaced in Borno state. The region has been grappling with violence from Boko Haram militants, which has already strained resources and humanitarian efforts. The floods have also had a devastating impact on wildlife, with reports indicating that 80% of the animals at the Borno State Museum Park perished, and many reptiles escaped due to the rising waters. Survivors like Aishatu Ba'agana have faced harrowing experiences, including the loss of family members and homes. Many are now living in temporary shelters, fearing further flooding as the rainy season continues. Local residents report a lack of adequate aid, with some relying on sporadic food distributions at makeshift shelters. The United Nations has warned that extreme weather could affect up to 118 million Africans by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for international support and intervention to address both the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change in the region.