The year 2024 was marked by devastating floods in the Niger and Lake Chad basins in Africa, triggered by increased seasonal rainfall due to climate change. A team of international scientists has published a study highlighting the impact of human activity on these extreme weather events. Researchers from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) initiative found that flooding in Chad, Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan resulted in the loss of more than 2,000 lives and the displacement of millions.
Dams in Nigeria and Sudan were overwhelmed by heavy rains, highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure to these increasingly intense weather events. WWA scientists stressed that these intense summer rainfall events have become the new normal due to global warming and will recur every year if the global warming trend continues.
The impact of these recurring extreme floods has been compounded by poverty, rapid urbanization and water management challenges in the region. In addition, conflict has contributed to the worsening situation, with millions of people displaced in Chad, Nigeria and Sudan, living in makeshift shelters and exposed to increased risks when intense rains trigger floods.
The complex humanitarian crisis in Sudan was further exacerbated by heavy flooding from June to September, straining the capacity of aid agencies and government authorities to respond. The region must prepare for much more intense rainfall events than those seen in 2024, and must rapidly improve water management and reduce vulnerability.
Scientists have called for increased investment in early warning systems and dam upgrades in the region, and urged rich countries to contribute significant financial support to help. They also called on delegates at the UN COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan next month to take action to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
Taking concrete steps to combat global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from fossil fuels, which are the main drivers of climate change, is essential. By acting proactively now, we can hope to mitigate the devastating impacts of extreme weather events caused by climate change and protect vulnerable populations in the Niger and Lake Chad region.