Both Sudan and Chad are experiencing severe flooding, affecting hundreds of thousands, while Lesotho faces a significant drought leading to a national food security crisis. The UN reports severe humanitarian impacts and ongoing responses to provide necessary aid.
Recent reports from the United Nations indicate that both Sudan and Chad are experiencing severe flooding, while Lesotho is grappling with significant drought conditions. Since late June, heavy rains in Sudan’s South Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern states have affected approximately half a million individuals, creating a worsening humanitarian crisis. Particularly in North Darfur’s El Fasher, where famine risks are high, around 124,000 people have been impacted by these extreme weather conditions. The stagnant waters pose an additional threat, as nearly 2,900 suspected cholera cases have been reported since the outbreak began in mid-August. Fortunately, the United Nations and partner organizations have mobilized resources to assist those in need, with life-saving nourishment provided to 6,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition in South Darfur’s Nyala region. In Chad, the flooding situation is similarly grave. OCHA has reported that at least 340 lives have been lost, nearly 1.5 million individuals are affected, and over 160,000 homes have been obliterated. The floods are jeopardizing agricultural production and exacerbating food insecurity, with about 3.4 million people facing acute hunger amidst the lean season. To address this crisis, the United Nations has increased its funding for the flood response in Chad from $5 million to $8 million. In contrast, Lesotho is battling the repercussions of an unforgiving drought, intensified by the El Niño phenomenon. The Lesotho government has declared a national disaster, stating that approximately 700,000 citizens are currently facing hunger. Agricultural output has dropped by about one-third. The UN has earmarked $2 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to assist with relief efforts related to the drought, and calls for more international support have been made following a recent assessment by UN officials.
The humanitarian crises in Sudan and Chad due to flooding, alongside the drought challenges in Lesotho, underscore the pressing need for international support in response to climate-induced disasters. Sudan has been experiencing catastrophic flooding since late June, impacting various states and exacerbating an already dire situation caused by prolonged conflicts and economic instability. Chad’s flooding has similarly devastated communities and agricultural activities, resulting in severe food insecurity for millions. Meanwhile, Lesotho’s struggles with drought illustrate the broader consequences of climate variability, with El Niño significantly affecting weather patterns, leading to agricultural declines and food shortages in a population already vulnerable to hunger.
In conclusion, the recent flooding in Sudan and Chad, coupled with the drought in Lesotho, highlights a critical humanitarian crisis across Africa. The United Nations, along with various humanitarian partners, is actively working to provide essential support and resources to affected populations. Continued international collaboration and assistance will be vital in addressing the food security and health needs arising from these natural disasters.
Original Source: news.cgtn.com
