Update on flooding in Africa by Kirsty McCabe
Torrential downpours over the past few months have caused major floods across Africa, submerging whole towns and washing away bridges, farms and schools. According to the United Nations, at least 1.5 million people in 18 countries have been affected by the worst downpours in 30 years. The floods have largely hit countries in a band across western, central and eastern Africa, with Ghana and Uganda worst hit.
The extreme weather conditions are being blamed by some analysts on a phenomenon known as la Nina, where oceans cool faster, thus causing the rainy season to come earlier.
As the extent of the damage begins to emerge epidemic warnings are growing. In Rwanda, at least 15 people have died this month in flash floods. Cholera outbreaks have already caused nearly 70 deaths in Sudan, one of the countries worst hit by the flooding. In Togo more than 20 000 people have been left homeless, and another 130 000 families have had homes damaged, according to authorities. The flooding of key roads has paralysed the delivery of aid.
The weather is forecast to get worse, with heavier rainfall on the way in the coming weeks. Its full intensity is likely to be felt by mid-November in most regions and will only start to subside later in December.
