Chad: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Chad as of Aug. 16

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Chad as of Aug. 16. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that nearly 250,000 people have been affected by flooding across 18 of the country's 23 provinces in recent weeks. Heavy rainfall from Aug. 9-14 has triggered widespread flooding in the Tibesti Region. As of Aug. 16, authorities have reported at least 54 flood-related fatalities across Tibesti. The floods have destroyed many shops, homes, and vehicles. Severe flooding in Sila Region in southeastern Chad in recent days has displaced around 53,000 people. Flooding caused damage in Yao in Batha Region Aug. 11-12, leaving many people displaced.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.