The scars of the September 2024 floods still deeply mark the city of N'Djamena in Chad. Among the thousands of victims is 21-year-old Anassa Zeni, a widow and mother of two.

Having returned to Chad two years ago after fleeing the conflicts in Central Africa, Anassa was in the process of rebuilding her life. But on August 18th, her house, located in the 9th arrondissement, was completely destroyed by the floods, carrying away all her belongings.

"Thank God we are alive," she confides, her voice filled with a quiet strength.

With her two children, she found refuge at the Melizi reception center in Farcha, set up by the Chadian government with the support of several partners including IOM.

"We have water, food rations, but it's not enough. My daughter needs to continue school, my children need to eat and be clothed. I had to sell some of the food rations so they could continue going to school."

Registered by the National Commission for the Reception, Reintegration of Refugees and Repatriates of Chad, with the technical support of IOM during the census operations aimed at identifying populations affected by the floods, Anassa hopes her story will be heard.

"I need help to rebuild my life and that of my children. I don't want to depend on aid forever, but I can't do it alone."

Anassa's story highlights the devastating consequences of the floods in Chad. Beyond the material losses, entire lives have been turned upside down. Chadian authorities and humanitarian organizations are mobilized to provide emergency assistance to the victims, but the needs remain immense. It is essential to support the reconstruction and resilience efforts of these vulnerable populations.