By Dr. Wafa Misrar – Campaigns and Policy Lead at CAN Africa
On this World Water Day, let’s not just talk about water—let’s talk about the lives and livelihoods that depend on urgent, decisive action. Heavy rains and widespread flooding have gripped several African countries, displacing thousands, damaging infrastructure, and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. These events underscore the increasing urgency of addressing climate resilience in Africa.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for every 1°C increase in global temperature, the atmosphere holds 5-11% more water due to increased evapotranspiration. With global temperatures already exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, extreme weather events—such as intense rainfall and prolonged dry spells—are becoming more frequent and severe.
Morocco serves as a clear example of how climate change intensifies water-related disasters. The country loses approximately 1.5 million m³ of water per day due to evaporation, exacerbating long-term water scarcity concerns. This intense evaporation leads to greater moisture accumulation in the atmosphere, which eventually returns in the form of intense and unpredictable precipitation—causing floods that often damage more than they repair. Between March 6 and 12, 2025, the country’s dams recorded over 400 million cubic meters (m³) of water inflows, bringing total water reserves to 5,123 million m³—an increase of 884 million m³ compared to the same period in 2024. While this may seem like a positive development, the rapid accumulation of precipitation within a short timeframe poses significant flood risks.
The recent passage of Storm Jana further illustrates these challenges. Over the weekend, Morocco experienced extreme weather conditions, with strong winds, torrential rains, and heavy snowfall disrupting daily life across the country. Authorities swiftly mobilized emergency teams, particularly in the Northern region, where flooding and landslides damaged infrastructure and forced residents to evacuate. Schools in vulnerable areas, particularly in mountainous regions, were closed as a precaution, leaving students unable to attend classes.
The storm also claimed lives where a 10-year-old child was swept away by sudden floods, highlighting the deadly consequences of these extreme weather events. The damage extended beyond human casualties—blocked roads, collapsed bridges, and mudslides complicated relief efforts, particularly in the northern and mountainous areas of the country.
These climate-driven changes are already wreaking havoc across Africa, with Botswana and Zambia also experiencing severe flooding in recent weeks.
Days of relentless rainfall in Botswana have caused severe flooding, forcing schools and major roads to close with extensive displacement, infrastructure damage, and loss of life. The disaster has already claimed seven lives, primarily due to drowning. The humanitarian impact has been significant, with 705 children displaced, including 537 housed in evacuation centers. Overall, nearly 3,000 people have been affected, with 1,749 forced to seek refuge in emergency shelters. The floods have also severely disrupted infrastructure, with road closures and power outages crippling mobility and access to essential services. Health facilities are among those experiencing service interruptions, further complicating the crisis. As stagnant floodwaters linger, there is an increasing risk of waterborne diseases, water shortages, and worsening food insecurity, compounding the hardships faced by affected communities.
In Zambia, above-normal rainfall has placed 69 districts at risk of flooding, with over 659 households affected so far during the 2024/2025 rainy season. At least 159 households have been displaced and are currently residing in relief camps set up by the government. Among the hardest-hit areas is Kitwe, where the breach of the SINO Mining dam has led to water contamination in the Kafue River. The release of acidic water from the dam has severely impacted the local ecosystem and compromised drinking water quality for surrounding communities.
These floods serve as yet another stark reminder that climate change is not a distant threat—it is happening now. Governments, international organizations, and local communities must work together to enhance climate resilience, improve early warning systems, and invest in sustainable water management strategies. As Africa faces these compounding crises, urgent climate action and financial commitments from global partners will be crucial in ensuring that communities are better prepared for future climate shocks.