Devastating Weather Events in Africa: Flooding in Sudan and Chad, Drought in Lesotho

Sudan and Chad are experiencing severe flooding affecting hundreds of thousands, leading to casualties and rising food insecurity. Meanwhile, Lesotho is facing a drought impacting agricultural production, with around 700,000 people struggling with hunger. The UN is mobilizing resources to provide humanitarian assistance in all three countries.

On Monday, a spokesperson for the United Nations reported devastating weather conditions affecting several African nations, with Sudan and Chad facing severe flooding, while Lesotho is grappling with a significant drought. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted the impact of heavy rains and subsequent flooding in Sudan, where approximately 500,000 individuals in states such as South Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern states have been affected since late June. Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, noted at a daily briefing that the situation in Sudan is exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis, particularly in famine-prone regions like El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where 124,000 individuals have been affected by the rains. The stagnant floodwaters are increasing the threat of disease outbreaks, with nearly 2,900 suspected cholera cases reported since mid-August. The UN and its partners are currently on the ground providing essential assistance, recently delivering life-saving food to treat 6,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition in Nyala, South Darfur. In Chad, the flooding has reportedly worsened, with OCHA indicating that the death toll has reached at least 340, while nearly 1.5 million people are affected and over 160,000 homes have been destroyed. Agricultural devastation is also a concern, with an estimated 3.4 million people facing acute hunger during the lean season. In response, Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya has increased the allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support flood relief efforts from $5 million to $8 million. Meanwhile, Lesotho is experiencing a severe food security crisis attributed to historic drought conditions influenced by El Niño. The government has declared a national disaster as around 700,000 individuals are currently facing hunger, with agricultural production declining by one third. To address the drought’s impact, $2 million has been allocated from the CERF, and Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator Reena Ghelani has made a visit to assess the situation and advocate for increased international support.

The article discusses the humanitarian crises faced by Sudan, Chad, and Lesotho amidst significant environmental challenges. Sudan and Chad are experiencing extensive flooding, resulting in casualties, property destruction, and rising food insecurity. Conversely, Lesotho is contending with a drought that has severely affected agricultural output and food availability. These situations have prompted responses from the United Nations and affiliated humanitarian organizations, reflecting the urgency of addressing immediate human needs and the broader implications of climate-related disasters on food security.

In summary, Sudan and Chad are currently confronting devastating flooding, which exacerbates existing humanitarian crises and threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions. The distribution of aid is underway, but the scale of need remains significant. Conversely, Lesotho is undergoing a drought that critically impacts food security, with international support being sought to alleviate the suffering caused by these extreme weather conditions. The United Nations continues to closely monitor these situations, deploying resources where they are most needed to assist vulnerable populations.

Original Source: news.cgtn.com