Webinar Introduction

We are thrilled to invite you to a webinar discussing the significant and impactful African Floods of 2023. This virtual event aims to shed light on the devastating consequences, regional implications, and strategies for resilience in the face of such natural disasters.
The African Floods of 2023 were among the most extensive in recent history, affecting numerous countries across the continent. From West Africa to the Horn of Africa, communities faced unprecedented levels of inundation and destruction. Millions of people were displaced from their homes, with many losing livelihoods and access to essential services. The floods exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, leading to heightened humanitarian needs and challenges. The economic toll of the floods was substantial, with damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and industries. Recovery efforts have been prolonged and costly, impacting the long-term development prospects of affected regions. The African Floods of 2023 underscored the interconnectedness between extreme weather events and climate change. As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of such disasters are expected to increase, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation and mitigation measures. Despite the immense challenges posed by the floods, communities demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. Local initiatives, along with national and international support, played a crucial role in the recovery and rebuilding process.
In October 2023 Carbon Brief has combined disaster data, humanitarian reports and local news stories to create a more complete picture of the scale of extreme weather impacts in Africa in 2023. The investigation shows that at least 15,700 people have been killed in extreme weather disasters in Africa in 2023. A further 34 million people have been affected by extremes.

Why Attend?

Gain insights into the causes and dynamics of the African Floods of 2023. Learn about innovative approaches to disaster preparedness and response. Explore strategies for building resilience and adapting to climate change impacts. Engage with experts in discussions on the way forward. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of one of the most pressing challenges facing Africa today. Together, we can work towards a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

Webinar Programme

Introduction

• Slobodan P. Simonovic
  ICFM Chairperson, Water Resources Specialist, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, Western University, Canada

Presenters

• John Mathias KIRIWAI
  Early Warning Systems and Disaster Operations Expert Africa Union Commission, Addis Ababa– Ethiopia
  Topic: The increasing impacts of floods disasters in Africa surpassing efforts to build resilience
• Betty Namulunda Barasa
  UN World Food Programme Jebel Kujur, South Sudan
  Topic: Emerging issues in the management of floods in Africa
• Mihretab Gebretsadik Tedla
  Co-chair Nature Based Solutions Working Group/IWRA. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  Topic: Exploring the Dynamics of Floods and Droughts in the Horn of Africa.

 

Presentations can be accessed here:

• John Mathias KIRIWAI
• Betty Namulunda Barasa
• Mihretab Gebretsadik Tedla

 

Host
International Conference on Flood Management (ICFM)
China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR)

Organizer
Permanent Secretariat of ICFM

Moderator
ZHANG Cheng, Chairperson of the Permanent ICFM Secretariat, IWHR

Technical support
Medcon Conference Service Platform (MEDCON)