Humanitarian Crisis in Southern Africa: January 2025 Review

In 2024, Southern Africa encountered a humanitarian crisis affecting over 22 million individuals due to drought, flooding, and disease. Countries declared national disasters, with severe food insecurity resulting in malnutrition and widespread cholera outbreaks. Displacement challenges have increased, with funding shortages impacting response efforts.

In 2024, Southern Africa faced unprecedented humanitarian challenges, with over 22 million individuals requiring urgent assistance due to a severe mid-season dry spell, flooding, and disease outbreaks. Millions suffered from food insecurity, leading to widespread malnutrition, particularly among children under five.
The region experienced a devastating impact from a strong El Niño, resulting in record drought conditions alongside flooding in Tanzania. Nations including Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe declared national disasters amid escalating agricultural losses.
Water scarcity further exacerbated public health risks, as lack of access to safe drinking water led to significant waterborne diseases. The year saw the deadliest cholera outbreak in a decade with approximately 70,000 cases reported, along with multiple disease outbreaks such as mpox and measles.
Destructive tropical storms and cyclones displaced thousands of individuals and affected around 610,000 people across the region. Cyclone Belal in Mauritius, Severe Tropical Storm Filipo in Mozambique, and Cyclone Gamane in Madagascar were among the major events that caused widespread destruction in 2024.
Displacement from climate crises, economic shocks, and ongoing conflicts in northern Mozambique has left the region with significant internal displacement challenges, hosting 829,000 displaced people and 676,000 refugees. Despite the dramatic humanitarian needs, funding shortages hindered adequate response efforts.
In response to these crises, humanitarian partners intensified advocacy, mobilization, and response efforts. Numerous Flash Appeals were put forth for countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to support ongoing government initiatives and regional calls for assistance.

The humanitarian situation in Southern Africa has been worsened by multiple climatic and social challenges. The region experienced the worst drought on record and unusual flooding, exacerbated by a strong El Niño event. These crises highlight the urgent humanitarian needs across nations that have already been grappling with food insecurity, malnutrition, and related health crises. The compounded effects of climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and economic instabilities necessitate a proactive and cohesive humanitarian response to address the ongoing challenges faced by millions in the region. The emphasis on collaboration between humanitarian partners and local governments is essential for effective resource mobilization and implementation of relief efforts.

In summary, Southern Africa has experienced a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale due to a combination of severe climatic events, economic shocks, and health crises in 2024. The urgent need for humanitarian assistance remains critical, with millions affected by food insecurity, malnutrition, and diseases. The region’s response efforts are complicated by funding shortages, necessitating global solidarity and support to alleviate the suffering of those in need.

Original Source: reliefweb.int