Severe Climatic Disasters Affect Sudan, Chad, and Lesotho
Sudan and Chad are experiencing severe flooding, impacting millions and exacerbating food insecurity, while Lesotho is facing a drought crisis affecting around 700,000 people. UN agencies are mobilizing resources to assist those affected by these climatic disasters.
On Monday, a spokesperson from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that both Sudan and Chad are experiencing severe flooding, while Lesotho is grappling with a significant drought. Since late June, heavy rains have adversely impacted roughly half a million individuals across several states in Sudan, including South Darfur, the Red Sea, the River Nile, and Northern states. Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, indicated that the flooding exacerbates an already critical humanitarian situation in the region, with approximately 124,000 people affected in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. This flooding also poses heightened health risks, including the potential spread of diseases, with nearly 2,900 suspected cases of cholera reported since a recent outbreak began in mid-August. In Chad, the situation remains dire as flooding worsens, resulting in the deaths of at least 340 individuals and impacting nearly 1.5 million people. Additionally, over 160,000 homes have been rendered uninhabitable, significantly affecting agriculture and leading to an urgent food crisis. Approximately 3.4 million are facing acute hunger during this lean season. In response, the UN and local partners are providing necessary food and nutrition supplies, with the allocation for flood response increased from $5 million to $8 million to better support the affected populations. Meanwhile, Lesotho is struggling with enhanced food insecurity caused by a historic drought linked to El Niño. The government reports that around 700,000 people are currently battling hunger, a situation classified as a national disaster in July due to alarming threats to food security. Agricultural yield has plummeted by approximately one-third, compounding the crisis. The UN emergency relief coordinator has allocated $2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to aid in addressing the drought, while high-ranking officials continue to advocate for increased international support to alleviate the situation in Lesotho.
The report highlights the severe humanitarian crises affecting different regions in Africa, specifically Sudan, Chad, and Lesotho. Sudan’s recent flooding has followed weeks of heavy rain which threatens numerous lives and exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by the nation. The escalating health risks due to flooding and cholera outbreaks further emphasize the need for immediate humanitarian assistance. In Chad, the situation mirrors that of Sudan, with tragic fatalities and immense destruction caused by flooding, significantly impacting the agricultural sector and leading to acute food shortages. Conversely, Lesotho faces a drought crisis that has resulted in increased hunger and food insecurity due to climatic changes associated with El Niño. This multi-national humanitarian crisis highlights the widespread vulnerabilities in these regions and the urgent need for a concerted response to mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters.
In summary, the flooding in Sudan and Chad has resulted in devastating consequences for millions, intensifying already precarious circumstances for those affected. In contrast, Lesotho’s drought is placing significant strain on its population, with widespread food insecurity. The United Nations, alongside local authorities, is diligently working to provide emergency relief and support across these countries. However, the systemic challenges posed by climate change and environmental crises necessitate urgent and sustained international collaboration to address these pressing humanitarian needs.
Original Source: news.cgtn.com
