The month of September 2024 saw intense weather phenomena, particularly in Morocco. Heavy rains caused flooding in the country. These events are part of a trend observed in several regions of the world, where existing infrastructure is struggling to manage the effects of natural disasters.
The Moroccan Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM) recorded meteorological instability in September 2024. Climatic anomalies were observed in several regions of the country. The rains particularly affected the south and southeast, causing flooding.
These phenomena are linked to a movement of the intertropical front towards the north, from the Sahara. This movement caused significant precipitation in these regions. Storms and rains tested several infrastructures.
The DGM attributes this climatic instability to global warming. Rising global temperatures are disrupting the atmospheric balance. Warming oceans increase evaporation, which influences weather events like storms, intense rains and hurricanes.
Africa faces particular challenges in this context. Infrastructure, often old or insufficient, is not always adapted to the intensity of current climatic phenomena. The resulting floods cause material and human damage.
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Floods in Africa highlight the issues linked to climate change on the continent. Various regions are affected by intense rains, prolonged droughts and rising water levels.
In several African countries, the impact of rains is amplified by unsuitable infrastructure. Drainage systems, dikes and other hydraulic structures are not always able to handle the volume of water. As a result, urban and rural areas are frequently flooded.
These climatic disasters have consequences on populations. They cause displacement, affect harvests, and can exacerbate tensions linked to natural resources.
The vulnerability of African infrastructure to climate disasters is an identified problem. Financing infrastructure projects adapted to extreme weather events remains a challenge for many countries. Road and rail networks, water supply systems and energy equipment are not always designed for current climatic conditions.
Growing urban areas are particularly affected. Rapid urbanization, combined with insufficient urban planning, has left some African cities without adequate arrangements to manage stormwater runoff. Cities like Lagos, Dakar, and Kinshasa experience recurring floods which affect the local economy and the population.
Adaptation to climate change has become a priority. Investments in resilient infrastructure are necessary to protect populations and reduce economic losses. Adaptation also involves a review of urban and agricultural policies, for sustainable management of natural resources and better anticipation of climatic events.
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