During the rainy season, flooding in Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria has worsened the situation for refugees and internally displaced people in the region. UNHCR stresses the importance of including forcibly displaced individuals in national response plans.
The floods have caused devastation, destroying homes and infrastructure, and increasing protection risks for the most vulnerable. This has severely impacted forcibly displaced populations already living in precarious conditions, many of whom are now in overcrowded makeshift shelters with limited access to essential services. With climate change, food insecurity, and the heightened risk of waterborne diseases, it is crucial to prioritize the needs of refugees and internally displaced people.
In Nigeria, severe floods have affected over 600,000 people in 29 states, leading to deaths and displacement, including those already uprooted by conflict and climate change. The destruction of farmland exacerbates food insecurity in a country where 32 million people face acute hunger.
UNHCR and its partners are providing assistance to displaced individuals in heavily impacted states, distributing tarpaulin sheets. However, funding shortages hinder efforts to help more communities in need. The rainy season in Nigeria is expected to continue until September in the north and November in the south.
All 23 provinces of Chad experienced flooding since July, affecting over 964,000 people. Refugee communities in eastern Chad are particularly vulnerable, with over 40,000 refugees affected. Deaths, submerged land, and destroyed homes pose significant challenges, with emergency response plans facing logistical obstacles and the risk of epidemics.
In Cameroon, torrential rains in August caused destruction to homes, farmland, and animals, affecting nearly 159,000 people, including refugees. Emergency response plans are in place, but access difficulties and epidemic risks create challenges for authorities and humanitarian partners.
In Niger, heavy rains triggered severe flooding, impacting regions housing displaced individuals. Deaths, widespread destruction, disrupted education, and compromised access to refugee settlements prompt UNHCR to provide essential relief kits and resources to support those affected.
Displaced families, including refugees and IDPs, face a dire situation due to conflict, climate change, and flooding. They urgently require emergency shelter, food, water, and medical care.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).