West Africa flooding and displacement

Severe rainstorms and heavy rainfall have caused widespread flooding and displacement across parts of West Africa, specifically in Ghana and Nigeria. In Ghana, a rainstorm in the Krachi Nchumuru District of the Oti Region destroyed homes and displaced residents in farming communities such as Grubi, Kokose, Kwame, and Akura. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) deployed rescue teams to assess damage and monitor resident safety. Subsequently, in Hohoe, the River Dayi overflowed its banks, submerging homes and displacing hundreds in areas including Hohoe Zongo, Galikorfe, and Kiki’s to Atabu Junction. Recent reports indicate the scale of the disaster in the Hohoe Municipality has grown, with the overflowing River Dayi displacing more than 3,000 residents. Over 400 homes have been affected, and in the Zongo community, more than half of the area was submerged. Displaced individuals are currently seeking temporary shelter in locations such as classrooms. Hohoe Member of Parliament Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo has appealed for urgent external support, stating the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local authorities. Officials have warned downstream communities to remain cautious as floodwaters move through the river system. By early October, the number of displaced persons in the Hohoe Municipality rose to approximately 5,140, affecting 412 homes across 11 communities. President John Dramani Mahama visited the region to distribute relief items, including food, bedding, and roofing sheets. Additionally, the owner of Dzata Cement pledged 5,000 bags of cement to assist with reconstruction. Despite these efforts, local officials noted that assistance remains insufficient for the scale of the crisis. In Nigeria, prolonged downpours submerged residential and business areas in Makurdi, particularly in neighborhoods like Achussa, New GRA, and Wadata. A recent nine-hour downpour destroyed household items and foodstuffs and left commuters stranded on impassable roads.