Torrential rains in Chad: a tragic toll
Considerable human losses and material damage
Since July 2024, Chad has been facing torrential rains that have caused 503 deaths and affected more than 1.7 million people. This assessment, communicated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), underlines the scale of the disaster. According to the data, 117 of the country’s 125 departments are affected, leading to the destruction of 212,111 houses and 357,832 hectares of agricultural land, essential to the livelihoods of many families. In addition, 69,659 heads of livestock have been washed away, compromising the livelihoods of herders.
A call to action
At a press conference, Marcelin Kanabé Passalé, Minister of Water and Energy, described the flooding as “severe,” causing tragic loss of life and enormous material damage. He also announced the formation of a flood monitoring committee to assess the risks of pollution to drinking water sources and monitor rising river levels. Passalé warned that the waters of the Logone and Chari rivers have reached critical levels, threatening to cause further flooding in the coming days.
A crisis exacerbated
The floods in Chad are compounding existing humanitarian crises in the Sahel region and around Lake Chad. Millions of people were already facing challenges such as malnutrition, food insecurity and conflict. Earlier in September, the UN warned of the impact of “torrential rains and severe flooding” in the country, calling for “immediate action and adequate funding” to address this climate crisis. The situation is all the more worrying in a country where infrastructure is already fragile and humanitarian aid is limited.
Health precautions
To limit the risk of contamination of drinking water, Mr. Passalé recommended the use of chlorine to treat water from private boreholes before consumption. This measure is essential to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, which can occur in flood conditions. The government also encourages people to remain vigilant in the face of extreme weather conditions and to follow safety instructions.
Conclusion
The situation in Chad is alarming, with devastating consequences for the lives of its inhabitants and infrastructure. Government measures and health recommendations are crucial to address this crisis and protect vulnerable populations. A rapid and effective international response is also essential to mitigate the effects of this natural disaster. The international community must mobilize to provide humanitarian aid, support reconstruction efforts and strengthen adaptation capacities in the face of climate change.
