Widespread flooding across the West and Central African Region has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with devastating consequences for millions*. The most impacted countries include Chad with almost 1.5 million people affected (OCHA), Niger (700,000) (UNHCR) and Nigeria (600,000) (OCHA). Additionally, over 158,000 people have been impacted in Cameroon (OCHA); over 36,000 people in Guinea (ECHO; IFRC); 45,000 people in Liberia; and 47,000 people in Mali (Mali Government). 

The total number of affected people has far exceeded previous years and is likely to increase (OCHA). Forecasts are predicting further heavy rains and flooding across much of the West and Central African region into September. OCHA reported that there were 465 fatalities and 1,747 people injured between 15 to 30 August.

Torrential rainfall has caused rivers to overflow, displacing communities and damaging and disrupting access to essential services. Affected populations are in urgent need of food, health services, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH), protection, including gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response services, and water, hygiene and sanitation. Women and children make up the majority of affected populations.