Severe flooding leaves 1 500 people homeless and 3 dead in N’Djamena, Chad

At least three people lost their lives while around 1 500 were displaced by severe flooding in Chad's capital N'Djamena, which began on August 20, 2020. Inundations struck after several hours of heavy rains and were worsened by poor drainage system in the city.​

Around 230 houses were destroyed while 100 others were damaged in the Dembe quartier in the 7^th arrondissement, displacing 1 502 people from 327 families. Three people died in flood-related incidents. 

According to the International Organization for Migration, some of the affected people were staying in their relatives, but most of them were left homeless.

The floods came after hours of intense rains and were worsened by the poor drainage system. Hundreds of residents protested against the havoc that the floods caused, blaming the apparent inaction of the government.

Heavy downpours also knocked several power towers. Several cables from fallen towers reportedly sparked fires. 

"We are not even asking the government to provide us with food but just for it to come to our aid as we face these floods," a resident told the media while pointing to his belongings scattered in the flooded street.

"What we want now is for the government to settle us in an area free from floods because we are tired of suffering every year from these devastating floods which have damaged all our meager assets," another protester voiced out.

Featured image credit: Alwihda Info/YouTube