Torrential rain in Chad has caused a flood in the central and southwestern parts of the country, affecting thousands of people.

The region has been experiencing heavy rainfall since the middle of August, but this intensified on 23 August. Prior to this, widespread rain had affected the area since May, part of a climate event that is reported to occur every 5 to 10 years.

Tens of thousands of people have been left homeless by the ongoing situation. Some were forced to seek shelter on top of hills to avoid the extensive flood waters.

The capital city of N'djamena has particularly been affected by the flood, and towns such as Koukou, in the east of the country, are almost entirely flooded. Ongoing rescue and relief operations are in progress, as well as attempts to reduce or redirect flood waters from urban areas.

The flood has been described as the worst to affect Chad in living memory.