The worst floods in decades have swept across West and Central Africa, exacerbating a severe food insecurity crisis where 55 million people are already struggling with hunger. The United Nations reports that millions of people in this conflict-ridden region, home to some of the world’s poorest nations, are facing dire conditions as flooding devastates crops and displaces communities.
Heavy rains, which began in June and are expected to continue, have submerged vast areas of farmland, particularly in nations such as Mali and Nigeria. At least 4 million people have been directly affected, with approximately 1,000 deaths reported so far. Mali alone has seen 1.35 million hectares of land—an area the size of Austria—flooded, while northern Nigeria is witnessing widespread displacement and damage due to overflowing dams.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has described the floods as the worst in 30 years, attributing their severity to climate change. “We are fearing the worst,” said Modou Diaw, regional vice president for the IRC in West Africa. The situation is compounded by long-standing challenges in the region, including Islamist insurgencies, banditry, and ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders.
Floods are disrupting vital aid operations. In countries like Chad, the transportation of relief supplies to war-torn Sudan has become increasingly difficult due to impassable roads and damaged infrastructure. UN trucks carrying food are often delayed, and aid organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) are using helicopters to reach affected areas.
Local governments, companies, and international organizations, such as USAID, are stepping in to provide emergency relief. Cameroon and Mali have committed resources, and public figures like Cameroonian footballer Samuel Eto’o are raising awareness. However, as the situation worsens, more funding will be needed to address the long-term impacts, including rising food prices.
The WFP warns that the flooding will contribute to higher food prices across the region, alongside inflation and insecurity. Even before the floods, prices for basic commodities like cereals had already surged in countries like Nigeria and Niger. The floods are expected to further strain resources and deepen the crisis for millions of vulnerable people.
In the coming months, the number of those affected by food insecurity is expected to rise, as the floods have destroyed critical crops, making it impossible for farmers to replant in time. Aid organizations continue to race against time, but the scale of the disaster presents a monumental challenge.
