Sudan and Chad in Crisis: Flooding and Drought Threaten Livelihoods in Africa

Sudan and Chad are facing significant flooding, impacting hundreds of thousands of residents and exacerbating humanitarian crises. Simultaneously, Lesotho is experiencing drought, leaving around 700,000 people struggling with hunger. The UN reports increased support and response efforts for all three countries as they navigate these natural disasters.

On Monday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported severe flooding in both Sudan and Chad, while also highlighting the impact of drought in Lesotho. Significant downpours have affected approximately half a million individuals in regions of Sudan, including South Darfur, the Red Sea, and Northern states, according to Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In Sudan, humanitarian conditions have worsened due to the floods, particularly in areas facing famine, such as El Fasher in North Darfur, where heavy rains have impacted around 124,000 people. The stagnant waters pose a risk of disease outbreaks, with nearly 2,900 suspected cholera cases recorded since mid-August. The UN and its partners are actively engaged in providing assistance, with recent reports indicating that therapeutic food supplies were delivered to 6,000 malnourished children in Nyala, South Darfur. Chad is experiencing similar worsening conditions; authorities confirm that approximately 340 lives have been lost due to flooding affecting nearly 1.5 million individuals and resulting in the destruction of over 160,000 homes. The agricultural sector is severely impacted, leaving nearly 3.4 million residents facing acute hunger during the lean season. In response, the UN has increased its support, with Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya boosting the Central Emergency Response Fund allocation from $5 million to $8 million to aid flood relief efforts. Contrastingly, in Lesotho, the nation faces a dire situation characterized by a significant drought attributed to El Niño effects. The Lesotho government announced that around 700,000 residents are struggling with hunger, which has been declared a national disaster due to the imminent food security threat. Agricultural production has plummeted by approximately one third, exacerbating food insecurity. To address this crisis, the Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated $2 million from the CERF, while Reena Ghelani, Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator, has recently conducted a visit to assess the drought’s ramifications and urge further international support.

The recent natural disasters affecting Sudan, Chad, and Lesotho are part of a broader context of climate change and extreme weather patterns contributing to humanitarian crises across regions. In Sudan and Chad, excessive rainfall has led to flooding, complicating already troubling humanitarian situations, particularly in areas struggling with food insecurity and health concerns. Meanwhile, Lesotho is grappling with severe drought conditions, a stark contrast that highlights the range of climate challenges in Africa. OCHA provides ongoing assessments and support to mitigate the impacts of these crises and deliver aid to those in need.

In summary, the humanitarian crises unfolding in Sudan, Chad, and Lesotho are a testament to the severity of climate-induced challenges facing many countries. Flooding in Sudan and Chad threatens lives and livelihoods, while Lesotho confronts the dire consequences of drought, leading to significant food insecurity. The United Nations and various agencies are mobilizing resources and support to alleviate suffering and address these urgent needs, highlighting the critical importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.

Original Source: news.cgtn.com