Humanitarian Crises in Africa: Flooding in Sudan and Chad, and Drought in Lesotho

Recent reports indicate that Sudan and Chad are suffering from severe flooding, impacting millions and heightening health risks, while Lesotho is facing a drought that has placed approximately 700,000 individuals at risk of hunger. The UN has initiated responses in all three countries, providing urgent humanitarian assistance and resources to mitigate these crises.

On Monday, a United Nations spokesperson reported that both Sudan and Chad are grappling with devastating flooding while Lesotho faces severe drought conditions. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicated that since late June, heavy rainfall and resulting floods have affected approximately half a million individuals in Sudan’s South Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern states. Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, highlighted that the humanitarian situation in Sudan has deteriorated further, particularly in vulnerable regions at risk of famine, such as El Fasher in North Darfur where around 124,000 individuals have been impacted by substantial rainfall. The widespread flooding has exacerbated the danger of disease transmission, with nearly 2,900 suspected cholera cases reported since mid-August. In response, humanitarian efforts are underway, with the UN and partner organizations providing essential support. Recently, aid groups delivered critical therapeutic food to 6,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition in Nyala, South Darfur. In Chad, the situation is equally grim, with continued flooding leading to at least 340 fatalities, 1.5 million people affected, and over 160,000 homes destroyed. The agricultural sector is severely impacted, resulting in approximately 3.4 million individuals facing acute hunger during the current lean season. To address these needs, the Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, has allocated additional funding from the Central Emergency Response Fund, increasing support from $5 million to $8 million. Simultaneously, Lesotho is experiencing a significant deterioration in food security due to a historic drought related to El Niño phenomena, with around 700,000 people now at risk of hunger. The government of Lesotho declared a national disaster in July due to these threatening conditions. The average agricultural yield has dropped by one third, with extensive food insecurity anticipated. In response to this crisis, the Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator has earmarked $2 million from the CERF to assist those affected by the drought, and further support is being sought on an international scale from experts, including Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator Reena Ghelani, who recently visited Lesotho to assess the drought’s impact.

The humanitarian crises in Sudan, Chad, and Lesotho highlight the severe implications of environmental changes such as flooding and drought, exacerbated by factors like El Niño. Sudan and Chad’s challenges stem from record levels of rainfall leading to floods that have not only caused loss of life but have also severely impacted living conditions, agriculture, and public health. In contrast, Lesotho’s situation stems from reduced rainfall leading to a notable decrease in agricultural output and a significant food security crisis. These instances showcase the need for immediate international humanitarian assistance to mitigate suffering and support recovery efforts in these affected regions.

In summary, the situations in Sudan, Chad, and Lesotho underscore the urgent need for humanitarian assistance due to the extreme weather phenomena affecting these nations. The UN and various partners are stepping up their response to address immediate needs stemming from flooding in Sudan and Chad and the drought in Lesotho. As these crises unfold, continued support from the international community will be critical to alleviating hunger, preventing disease outbreaks, and promoting recovery in these battered regions.

Original Source: news.cgtn.com