Humanitarian Challenges in Africa: Flooding in Sudan and Chad, Drought in Lesotho
Sudan and Chad are experiencing severe flooding crises affecting hundreds of thousands, while Lesotho faces a significant drought impacting food security. The UN is actively providing aid and has increased emergency funds for Chad, while allocating resources to assist Lesotho during its drought disaster.
Recent reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) disclose that Sudan and Chad are undergoing significant humanitarian crises due to severe flooding, while Lesotho is grappling with the adverse effects of drought. In Sudan, heavy rainfall has affected approximately 500,000 individuals in the regions of South Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern states since late June. Chief spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, stated that the flooding aggravates an already precarious humanitarian situation, particularly in areas threatened by famine, such as El Fasher, where an estimated 124,000 people are adversely affected. Furthermore, the flooding has intensified health risks, with nearly 2,900 suspected cholera cases reported since mid-August. The UN is actively involved in delivering essential aid, including therapeutic food for 6,000 severely malnourished children in Nyala, South Darfur. Chad is facing escalating flooding challenges, with OCHA reporting at least 340 fatalities and approximately 1.5 million individuals impacted. The destruction includes over 160,000 homes, compounding the hunger crisis, as nearly 3.4 million Chadians are currently confronted with acute food insecurity during the ongoing lean season. The UN has increased its emergency fund allocation for flood relief efforts in Chad from $5 million to $8 million. In contrast, Lesotho is dealing with the consequences of a historic drought, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, which has resulted in a one-third reduction in agricultural production. The government’s declaration of a national disaster in July identifies around 700,000 individuals facing hunger, with significant implications for food security in the nation. In response to this crisis, the acting UN emergency relief coordinator has allocated $2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), while calls for increased international support echo within the nation following a recent assessment visit by climate crisis coordinator Reena Ghelani.
The ongoing crises in Sudan, Chad, and Lesotho highlight the alarming impact of natural disasters on food security and public health across various regions in Africa. Flooding in Sudan and Chad has led to catastrophic losses in human life and property, worsened by pre-existing vulnerabilities such as conflicts, economic challenges, and inadequate infrastructure. Conversely, the effects of climatic phenomena, particularly drought in Lesotho, showcase the challenges that landlocked nations face in sustaining agricultural production essential for their populations. The response by the UN and its coordination with national authorities aims to address these crises through humanitarian assistance and resource allocation, emphasizing the urgent need for international support to mitigate long-term impacts.
In summary, the humanitarian crises in Sudan and Chad due to severe flooding, alongside the drought challenges in Lesotho, illustrate the vulnerabilities faced by these nations. The ongoing efforts by the United Nations, coupled with increased funding allocations, signify a proactive response to mitigate the immediate impacts of these disasters. However, the need for greater international collaboration and support remains critical to addressing the intricate challenges posed by such natural calamities and ensuring food security for affected populations.
Original Source: news.cgtn.com
