Increased Flooding and the Danger of Cholera

Photo by jannet eldhose on Unsplash

By Cynthia Umeh

In many parts of Africa, heavy rainfall is no longer seen as a blessing. Instead, it brings destruction, disease, and death. As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, flooding has become more frequent and more dangerous. One of the most serious results of this flooding is the spread of cholera.

Cholera is a deadly disease that spreads through dirty water. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. If not treated quickly, it can kill within hours. Cholera is caused by bacteria that are usually found in water that has been contaminated with human waste. This is why cholera spreads so easily after a flood. When water covers the land, it mixes with waste from toilets and sewage systems. People who drink or use this water get sick, and the disease spreads rapidly in communities without proper sanitation.

Across Africa, countries are struggling with this problem. In places like Nigeria, Malawi, South Sudan, and Mozambique, floods have destroyed homes, farms, schools, and hospitals. People have been forced to leave their homes and live in crowded camps where there is little or no access to clean water or proper toilets. These camps become hotbeds for disease. Cholera, in particular, spreads fast in such conditions.

One place that shows the seriousness of this crisis is Borno State in northeastern Nigeria. In 2024, Borno experienced heavy flooding after weeks of rainfall. A local dam broke, and many communities were flooded. More than two hundred thousand people were affected. Thousands were forced to leave their homes and move to camps. In these camps, there was not enough clean water, and toilets were not available. Soon after, cholera broke out. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly were among the most affected. With few hospitals and little medicine, the situation became a health emergency.

But Borno is only one example. In other parts of Africa, the same pattern is repeating. Floods damage drinking water sources, make roads impassable, and destroy the little health services that exist. People who were already poor now have no homes, no food, and no way to stay healthy. In these conditions, cholera thrives.

The connection between flooding and cholera is clear. But the cause of this flooding is something we must not ignore. The climate is changing. The rain is heavier. The seasons are no longer predictable. Rivers overflow, and once dry lands are now flooded. This is not just a natural disaster. It is the result of years of damage to the environment. Trees have been cut down, wetlands have been destroyed, and the land cannot absorb water like it used to. On top of this, many African cities and villages do not have the right infrastructure to manage floods. Drains are blocked. Waste is not properly managed. All of this makes the situation worse.

At Shades of Us, we believe that stories like this must be told. We are working to bring attention to the human side of climate change. We use storytelling to show how women, children, and other vulnerable groups are being affected by floods and disease. We believe that change starts with awareness. People need to understand that climate change is not just about the weather. It is about health, safety, and survival.

We stand for climate action. That means pushing for better planning in cities and rural areas. It means building stronger drainage systems and making sure that every home has access to clean water. It means teaching people how to stay safe during floods and how to treat early signs of cholera. Most of all, it means calling on leaders to take this crisis seriously. They must invest in health systems, sanitation, and disaster response.

There is no quick solution to this problem. But there are clear steps that can reduce the harm. Communities must be part of the solution. When people are involved in planning and decision-making, the results are better. Clean water projects, mobile clinics, and local education efforts can save lives. International support is also important, but local action must lead the way.

Floods will likely continue, but cholera does not have to follow. With proper planning, better health care, and clean water, we can stop the disease before it spreads. We can protect lives and reduce suffering.

Africa is strong. Its people are strong. But they should not have to face this crisis alone. Now is the time for real action. Climate change is here, but with awareness, commitment, and care, we can build a safer future for all.