Humanitarian Snapshot of Southern Africa: January 2025 – Zambia

Southern Africa faced severe humanitarian crises in 2024 due to unprecedented drought, floods, cyclones, and disease outbreaks. An estimated 22 million people required urgent assistance, with about 45 million experiencing food insecurity. Significant cholera outbreaks and displaced populations resulted from these challenges, prompting increased humanitarian responses and need for funding.

In 2024, Southern Africa encountered unprecedented humanitarian challenges due to severe climatic events, particularly the worst mid-season dry spell in over a century, floods, cyclones, and disease outbreaks. An estimated 22 million citizens across the region required urgent humanitarian aid, highlighting the scale of the crisis. The influence of a powerful El Niño contributed to record droughts and flooding, notably affecting Tanzania, leading to widespread food insecurity.

Food insecurity surged, leaving approximately 45 million individuals facing severe hunger. Nations including Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe declared national disasters in response to the drought’s impact. This situation precipitated a serious public health crisis, with malnutrition affecting over four million children under the age of five, necessitating urgent treatment for stunting.

Water scarcity and limited access to clean water exacerbated risks associated with waterborne diseases. The region faced its deadliest cholera outbreak in the last decade, with about 70,000 reported cases and 1,374 deaths. Additionally, outbreaks of disease such as Mpox and measles were documented, further straining public health resources.

A series of tropical storms and cyclones caused extensive destruction and displaced thousands of individuals, impacting approximately 610,000 people overall. Notable cyclones included Tropical Cyclone Belal, Tropical Cyclone Gamane, and Tropical Cyclone Chido, which affected various nations including Mauritius, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi throughout the year.

Ongoing climate shocks, economic turmoil, and armed conflicts in northern Mozambique fostered greater displacement trends, which affected 829,000 internally displaced persons and 676,000 refugees residing in the region. As a response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, partners increased efforts in resource mobilization, advocacy, and effective action, implementing life-saving activities across the impacted regions.

Flash Appeals were initiated for several countries, including Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, to align with government and SADC efforts in addressing the emergencies. Despite these efforts, funding shortages persisted and hindered effective humanitarian response capabilities.

The current humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa stems from a convergence of climatic disasters and socio-economic challenges that have intensified over recent years. In 2024, the region was hard hit by severe droughts linked to a strong El Niño impact, alongside flooding and high unemployment rates that increased vulnerability. As a result, nations faced unprecedented levels of food insecurity and health crises, requiring urgent intervention from international humanitarian partners.

The humanitarian situation in Southern Africa, marked by extreme weather events and socio-economic challenges, has led to a critical need for international assistance. The combined effects of drought, flooding, and conflict have significantly increased the population’s vulnerability, particularly among children and marginalized groups. Urgent resources and funding are essential to address these crises effectively and support recovery efforts in the affected regions.

Original Source: reliefweb.int