Flooding in Africa!

PDC Global Hazards Atlas centered on Africa, displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards and 3 day precipitation accumulation

Continued flooding in Africa! Since last week, flooding has been observed across many parts of western, central, and eastern Africa. In western and central Africa, flooding was reported in Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad. In eastern Africa, flooding was reported in Somalia and Ethiopia. Over the next week, flooding is projected to continue in southern Nigeria, Cameroon, Somalia, and eastern Ethiopia, as well as in countries bordering Lake Victoria (Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda). (NOAA/CPC)

If you are located in one of these areas or perhaps another area currently at risk of flooding, here are a few important steps to help keep you and your family safe! (ARC)

• Pay attention to warnings and reports issued by your local or regional disaster management authority.
• Be ready to evacuate at any time.
• When a flood warning is issued, head for higher elevation.
• Keep out of and away from flood waters and do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

For more information on flooding and other types of natural hazards be sure to check out PDC’s Natural Hazards webpage! Be sure to also check-out the PDC’s Preparing for Disaster webpage and Printable Disaster Checklist so you can start preparing today!

Below, let’s take a closer look at the flood situations in Nigeria and Benin!

Precipitation & Flooding: Nigeria

PDC Global Hazards Atlas centered on Nigeria, displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards and 3 day precipitation accumulation

Nigeria continues to be impacted by what has been described as the “worst flooding in decades.” Since July, floods have killed over 430 people and displaced around 1.3 million. At least 30 out of 36 (roughly 83%) of the country’s states have been affected. (ReliefWeb/IRIN)

In the southwestern states of Delta and Bayelsa, around 120,000 people are homeless and in need of shelter. In some cases, thousands have found themselves seeking shelter once again, as temporary displacement sites became flooded. The threat of flooding remains as heavy rains are predicted to continue. (ReliefWeb/IRIN, NOAA/CPC)

The latest forecast for Nigeria shows areas with continued precipitation.

Precipitation & Flooding: Benin

PDC Global Hazards Atlas centered on Benin, displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards and 3 day precipitation accumulation

Severe flooding has also impacted the country of Benin, just west of Nigeria. According to early International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reports, an estimated 47,125 people have been affected. The northern municipalities of Karimama and Malanville have been heavily impacted, with estimates suggesting that over 43,000 people are affected. (IFRC/GLIDE Number)

The latest forecast for Benin shows areas with chances of continued precipitation.

Other Flooding Events

Some additional flooding events that occurred this week are:

• Pakistan
• Ongoing Flood Situation
• Around 5 million affected, over 465,000 houses damaged (UNOCHA)
• Russia (Dagestan)
• Heavy Rains, Flash Floods
• 7 people killed, 320 homes flooded (RSOE EDIS)
• Guatemala (Alta Verapaz and Peten)
• Severe Flooding
• Around 3,470 people affected
• At least 690 houses damaged (UNOCHA)
• Vietnam (Quang Nam and Dak Lak)
• Heavy Rains, Flash Floods
• 1 person killed, 1 missing
• At least 490 houses flooded (RSOE EDIS)

PDC is currently monitoring flooding events in: Australia, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, England, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, Scotland, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Looking Ahead

Over the next week, PDC will continue to monitor areas of high precipitation and keep a close eye on flooding across the globe. Want to find the most up-to-date information on flooding and other hazards occurring in your neighborhood or around the world? Then be sure to download PDC’s free Disaster Alert mobile app available for your iOS or Android devices today! Also be sure to continue to monitor PDC on Twitter, Facebook, and by way of the Global Hazards Atlas.