Rising Temperatures Worsen Flooding, Forcing More People from Homes

Climate crisis fuels flooding and deepens displacement

In recent weeks, torrential rains in Afghanistan, Brazil, and East Africa have inundated towns and villages, destroyed homes and livelihoods, and brought increasing hardship for the most vulnerable populations. Refugees and displaced people have seen their shelters swept away, while host communities have lost their homes and been displaced themselves.

Why is flooding on the increase?

• A hotter global climate, with greater fluctuations in the weather, is increasing the risk of flooding.
• Unprecedented events are becoming more likely, whether seasonal river flooding linked to snowmelt and changing land and water use by populations, or coastal flooding due to the compounding effect of storm surges.
• Climate-related displacement hits the poorest and most vulnerable hardest, including refugees and internally displaced people.

Where is the flooding happening right now?

• In Afghanistan, hundreds of people have been killed by flooding in May that began in the northeast of the country.
• In Brazil, floods in the southern Rio Grande do Sul state in May have killed at least 161 people and affected more than 2.34 million.
• In East Africa, heavy El Niño-rains since March have afflicted a fragile developing region hosting 4.6 million refugees across 11 countries.

Who is affected by the floods?

Climate change exacerbates the risk of displacement, with 60% of the world’s refugees and internally displaced people in countries on the front lines of climate change. The most vulnerable people, including refugees, lack resources and robust social safety nets.

What is UNHCR doing to respond?

UNHCR announced its campaign to raise $100 million for a new Climate Resilience Fund, addressing climate resilience initiatives and supporting vulnerable communities.

How can people help?

UNHCR responds rapidly in partnership with governments, other UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Donations can provide basic necessities and support affected families in times of crisis.