Sudan and Chad are currently experiencing severe flooding, affecting over 1.5 million people, while Lesotho is facing a historic drought impacting approximately 700,000 individuals. The UN is actively coordinating humanitarian assistance in these regions, amid increasing risks of disease and food insecurity.
Recent reports from the United Nations indicate that both Sudan and Chad are experiencing severe flooding, while Lesotho is grappling with the repercussions of a devastating drought. Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated on Monday that around half a million individuals in Sudan’s South Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern states have been severely affected by heavy rains and flooding since late June. The situation has exacerbated existing humanitarian crises, particularly in areas such as El Fasher, where approximately 124,000 people have been impacted by the torrential rains. Notably, the floods have heightened the risk of disease outbreaks, with almost 2,900 suspected cholera cases reported since the outbreak began in mid-August. In response, United Nations agencies and partners are mobilizing to provide much-needed assistance, delivering therapeutic food to children suffering from malnutrition in South Darfur. In Chad, the situation is similarly dire, with OCHA reporting a rise in the severity of flooding, resulting in at least 340 fatalities and impacting nearly 1.5 million individuals, while also destroying over 160,000 homes. The agricultural sector is severely affected, leaving about 3.4 million people facing acute hunger during this lean season. Following this crisis, the Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator has increased the allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support Chad’s flood response, raising the amount from $5 million to $8 million. Meanwhile, Lesotho is enduring a severe drought attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, triggering a national disaster declaration as the government reports that approximately 700,000 people are facing hunger and food insecurity. The situation has seen a considerable reduction in agricultural production by one-third, and international support has become increasingly crucial. The acting UN emergency relief coordinator has allocated $2 million from the CERF to assist with the drought response, as additional efforts to secure international aid continue to be prioritized.
Sudan and Chad are currently facing critical flooding crises, exacerbated by heavy rains that have caused extensive damage and humanitarian challenges. The flooding has led to significant loss of life and displacement, drawing the attention of international humanitarian organizations such as the UN, which has mobilized resources to aid those affected. In contrast, Lesotho is confronting a historic drought that is undermining food security, forcing the government to declare a national disaster as a substantial portion of the population grapples with hunger and agricultural loss. The variations in climate impact across these regions highlight the urgent need for comprehensive response strategies and international cooperation to promote recovery and resilience against future adversities.
In conclusion, the severe flooding in Sudan and Chad, coupled with the drought in Lesotho, represent significant humanitarian challenges that require urgent international attention and assistance. As the UN and its partners seek to mitigate the impacts of these crises, it is essential to prioritize aid and support for the affected populations. The situation underscores the broader challenges posed by climate change and the necessity for ongoing commitment to humanitarian response efforts across the continent.
Original Source: news.cgtn.com
