More than 1,000 people have died due to catastrophic floods in West and Central Africa, the United Nations reported on Thursday.
At least 740,000 individuals have been displaced, affecting over 5 million people across 16 countries in the region.
Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in many areas, particularly in Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that these three countries account for over 80% of the affected population.
Additionally, hundreds of thousands of homes, schools, and healthcare facilities have sustained significant damage.
Approximately half a million acres of farmland have also been destroyed, exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition, especially in Chad and Niger.
The UN warned that precarious living conditions are increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera in Niger and Nigeria.
In response, Joyce Msuya, the assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, has allocated $35 million to support relief efforts.
This funding targets Chad, Niger, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Congo, but more funds are urgently needed.
In Nigeria, $5 million has been allocated to assist 280,000 people with food, water, and shelter, as well as cholera prevention efforts.
Officials noted that Nigeria’s $927 million Humanitarian Response Plan is only 46% funded, highlighting the pressing need for support.
