We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MSC Foundation for their essential support for people affected by severe floods impacting Chad since July. MSC Foundation has committed to shipping 50 containers of life-saving supplies by both land and sea to bolster the humanitarian response. We are pleased to announce the signed agreement formalizing this significant contribution. It will significantly strengthen UNHCR’s ability to assist those displaced by the flooding.
In late July 2024, Chad experienced severe flooding due to heavy rains, affecting all 23 provinces. By early August, the Wadi Bahr Azoum river overflowed, leading to significant devastation in towns like Koukou. Throughout August, the floods resulted in extensive destruction of homes and livestock. By September, multiple emergency appeals to assist those impacted have been launched, as the situation worsened with nearly two million people in urgent need of help by October.
The floods in Chad are part of a recurring pattern of climate-related disasters affecting the region. The scale of the crisis is enormous—since 2010, Chad has experienced an 8-fold increase in severe floods, with climate change acting as a driving force behind these catastrophic events.
According to the UN, more than 10,000 homes were destroyed in the most recent disaster, and at least 400,000 people have been forced to flee their homes across the country.
The impact of these floods is devastating. According to the UN, more than 10,000 homes were destroyed in the most recent disaster, and at least 400,000 people have been forced to flee their homes across the country. In addition to shelter, those displaced face critical shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. What makes the situation even more complicated: Chad hosts more than one million forcibly displaced people, including 580,000 refugees from conflicts in neighbouring Sudan, the Central African Republic and Cameroon.
Further statistics underscore the importance of receiving more assistance. The flooding has severely impacted agriculture, with 80% of Chad’s rural population dependent on farming for their livelihoods. The destruction of crops means food insecurity is on the rise, and the need for international support has never been greater. Over 2 million people in Chad are already facing food insecurity, a number expected to grow as floodwaters continue to destroy farmland.
MSC Foundation’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid, particularly in response to climate- and disaster-related emergencies, highlights the growing humanitarian needs and the role private sector actors can play in contributing to global solidarity.
We extend our deepest thanks to MSC Foundation for their indispensable support during this challenging time.
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