In 2022, extreme weather events affected every part of Africa, from wildfires in Algeria to devastating floods in South Africa. According to the Carbon Brief’s analysis of the EM-DAT database, these events caused the loss of at least 4,000 lives and affected an additional 19 million people. However, the true toll, especially for events like heatwaves, often goes unrecorded, meaning that the actual numbers might be higher. Overall, 2022 highlighted the significant consequences of climate change on Africa’s susceptible regions, with flooding emerging as a prevalent and devastating occurrence.
A minimum of 29 flood disasters was reported, spanning from east to west and north to south. Notably, West Africa bore the brunt of severe flooding, resulting in over 800 fatalities between June and October and displacing tens of millions. In Nigeria alone, floodwaters inundated hundreds of thousands of hectares of land, displacing over 2.4 million people. This flooding was triggered by an early and unusually severe monsoon season, with water released from dams like the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon and the Tiga Dam in Nigeria contributing to the unprecedented inundation, the most severe in a decade.
The aftermath of the floods presented dire challenges. The affected population lacked access to clean drinking water for months, and the standing floodwater became a breeding ground for water-borne diseases. According to a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than 1.5 million children were at risk due to the floods, with 60% of those in need being children. The report also states that the children were at an increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning, and malnutrition.
As of September 2023, the rainy season continued to wreak havoc in several West African countries, resulting in more than 800 deaths, particularly in Niger, Nigeria, Gambia, and Guinea. Over 173,000 people were forced to leave their homes, with approximately 692,000 people affected by the floods. The floods exacerbated the vulnerability of already affected communities, leading to food insecurity, malnutrition, instability, and violence. More than 57,000 homes and 4,000 hectares of crops were damaged, raising concerns about food security and increased malnutrition.
The IPCC’s recent assessment of Africa attributes the increase in heavy rainfall and flooding to human-caused climate change. However, the flooding in African nations not only underscores the impact of climate change but also exposes the consequences of poor planning. Despite Africa being home to 79 of the world’s 100 fastest-growing cities, basic urban services have failed to keep pace with population growth, further complicated by climate change. Water supply, sewerage, and drainage infrastructures have not been designed to handle current climate events, and insufficient solid waste management worsens flooding occurrences.
This leaves many African cities highly vulnerable to climate hazards, with the poorest residents in informal settlements bearing the brunt, residing in low-lying and coastal areas prone to flooding and sea-level rise. The backdrop of these challenges underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both climate change impacts and deficiencies in urban planning and infrastructure in Africa.
Here are five key reasons why Africa is particularly vulnerable to flooding:
- Geographical Factors: Africa’s vast coastline, numerous river systems, and diverse topography make it susceptible to flooding. Coastal areas are exposed to storm surges and rising sea levels, while river basins are prone to overflow during heavy rainfall events. Additionally, mountainous regions can experience flash floods and landslides, further exacerbating flood risks.
- Climatic Factors: Africa’s climate is characterized by variability and extremes, with both drought and flooding occurring frequently. Erratic rainfall patterns, intense cyclones, and tropical storms contribute to the frequency and severity of floods. Climate change is further intensifying these weather events, making flooding a more prevalent threat.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Africa’s rapid urbanization, population growth, and poverty increase the vulnerability of communities to flooding. Informal settlements often develop in flood-prone areas, lacking adequate drainage and infrastructure. Poverty limits access to resources for preparedness and flood mitigation measures.
- Deforestation and Land Degradation: Deforestation and unsustainable land management practices reduce the land’s ability to absorb and store rainwater, increasing runoff and exacerbating flooding. These practices also contribute to soil erosion, further degrading the land’s resilience to floods.
- Inadequate Infrastructure and Early Warning Systems: Many African countries lack the infrastructure and early warning systems necessary to effectively manage flood risks. Inadequate drainage systems, poorly constructed dams, and limited access to weather forecasts hinder flood preparedness and response efforts.
It is evident that climate change is exacerbating Africa’s vulnerability to flooding, and based on projections, it poses a severe threat to the continent, potentially driving 68 million to 135 million people into poverty by 2030. This could reverse decades of economic growth that have previously lifted millions from extreme poverty and reduced inequalities.
Call to Action
- Climate-Resilient Urban Planning: African countries must enforce zoning regulations that restrict construction in high-risk flood areas and encourage development in safer zones. Integration of green spaces, permeable pavements, and sustainable landscaping is crucial for effective stormwater runoff management. Encouraging the construction of elevated structures in flood-prone areas can mitigate the impact of rising waters.
- Infrastructure Improvement: Governments should invest in modern and efficient drainage systems to enhance water flow and prevent waterlogging during heavy rainfall. Proper maintenance of existing dams and reservoirs is essential for managing water release and preventing downstream flooding. Constructing dams and reservoirs equipped to handle future downpours is also a proactive measure.
- Early Warning Systems: Utilize advanced weather forecasting and monitoring technologies to provide accurate and timely early warnings for extreme weather events. Developing community-based early warning systems that involve local communities in monitoring and responding to potential flood risks is essential.
- International Collaboration: Collaboration with international organizations, governments, and NGOs is paramount to accessing resources, expertise, and funding for large-scale climate resilience projects. Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices between African nations and other regions with successful flood reduction strategies is crucial.
- Investment in Research and Innovation: Support research initiatives aimed at understanding regional climate patterns, flood risks, and innovative solutions for sustainable urban development. Establish innovation hubs to incubate and scale up technologies and strategies addressing climate change impacts and urban flooding.
In conclusion, embracing these strategies collectively and with a long-term perspective is imperative to reducing the impact of climate change and building resilience against flooding in Africa.