Climate Change Intensifies Flooding Crisis in Africa

In Africa, floods intensified by climate change have recently wreaked havoc, particularly impacting the Kogi region of Nigeria, where millions have suffered from severe flooding events. The worsening conditions threaten food security and displace communities, while states like Chad and Cameroon report fatalities and significant property damage due to torrential rains. Experts warn that Africa’s climate challenges will only escalate, emphasizing the urgency for global action to address greenhouse gas emissions.

For the past twelve years, floods have consistently devastated the home of 67-year-old Idris Egbunu in Lokoja, Nigeria. Each rainy season, the Niger River overflows, inundating his property for weeks until he can assess the damage. The aftermath necessitates extensive cleaning, repairs, fumigation, and repainting, only to be repeated with each season’s return. This area, situated in Nigeria’s Kogi state where the Niger meets the Benue River, has long faced such flooding, yet climate change has significantly exacerbated the situation this year, contributing to increased severity and frequency of floods across vast territories in Africa. Currently, approximately 6.9 million individuals in West and Central Africa are affected by torrential rains and extensive flooding, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The residents of Lokoja note that since 2012, floods in Kogi state have become progressively worse, culminating in Nigeria’s worst floods in a decade in 2022, which resulted in over 500 fatalities and displaced 1.4 million people. According to Sandra Musa, an advisory member to the Kogi state governor, while this year’s flooding has not reached the catastrophic levels of the previous year, it remains “very, very bad.” Currently, it is reported that around two million people in Kogi are impacted by these floods. Among those affected is Fatima Bilyaminu, a 31-year-old mother and shopkeeper, who can now only access her house by boat due to the rising waters. She lamented the loss of her belongings, stating, “I lost everything. My bed, my cushioned chair, my wardrobe, my kitchen equipment.” Living in her small concrete structure, she remains unable to afford alternate housing and continues to face the consequences of repeated floods. Africa, despite contributing only about four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, is disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change effects. This year is projected to surpass 2023 as the hottest year on record, with unprecedented rainfall intensity and volume across the Sahel region and beyond. Reports indicate that in Niger, some areas have experienced rainfall levels up to 200 percent higher than previous years, placing historic sites such as Agadez at risk. In Chad, torrential rains since July have resulted in 576 fatalities and affected about 1.9 million citizens, while in Cameroon, over 56,000 homes have been destroyed, and extensive agricultural lands flooded. Experts suggest that the frequency of flooding has transitioned from a decadal to an annual cycle, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. Ms. Clair Barnes from the Center for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London stated, “This is only going to keep getting worse if we keep burning fossil fuels.” Furthermore, with rising global temperatures, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are projected to increase, with estimates indicating that by 2030, approximately 118 million Africans living in poverty will face heightened exposure to drought, floods, and extreme heat. In conclusion, the intersection of climate change and urbanization continues to endanger populations in Africa, necessitating deliberate actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions globally. International collaborative efforts are vital to address not only the immediate consequences faced by vulnerable communities but also to forge pathways toward resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions. Effective strategies must integrate local and global measures to combat the impacts of climate change effectively and sustain the livelihoods of millions.

The article discusses the persistent flooding faced by communities in Africa, particularly in Nigeria’s Kogi state, due to climate change. It highlights the experiences of individuals affected by these floods, showcasing their struggles with damages to homes and livelihoods. The increased frequency and severity of flooding events across the continent have raised concerns regarding food security and overall survival for millions. The data presented from the United Nations illustrates the extensive reach of these climatic events, emphasizing Africa’s vulnerability despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The article also underscores the need for global cooperation and immediate action to address the challenges posed by climate change.

In summary, floods exacerbated by climate change are wreaking havoc across various regions of Africa, significantly impacting millions of lives and threatening food security. Local communities endure devastating losses, while climatic patterns indicate an alarming increase in frequency and intensity of such events. Immediate action, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and strategic urban planning, is essential to mitigate future risks and enhance resilience against climate change.

Original Source: phys.org