The southern African nation of Malawi has formally declared a state of disaster across 23 of its 28 districts due to severe drought conditions. President Lazarus Chakwera has urgently appealed for over $200 million in humanitarian assistance, following closely on the heels of a similar plea from neighboring Zambia.
This declaration makes Malawi the latest country in the region grappling with a food supply crisis intensified by the El Niño weather phenomenon. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has raised alarms, highlighting that nearly 50 million people in southern and parts of central Africa were already facing food insecurity before this latest dry spell.
Zimbabwe is now considering declaring a disaster as well, with significant crop losses reported. Last month marked the driest February in 40 years for Zambia and Zimbabwe, while Malawi, Mozambique, and parts of Angola experienced severe rainfall deficits, according to the WFP's seasonal monitor.
El Niño, characterized by the warming of sea surfaces in the Pacific Ocean, is known to disrupt global weather patterns, leading to below-average rainfall in southern Africa. Many scientists believe that climate change is exacerbating the strength and impact of El Niños, making such droughts more frequent and severe.
The repercussions of this drought extend beyond humans. In Zimbabwe, conservation officials have reported the tragic death of at least 100 elephants in a national park last year, as waterholes dried up, leaving these majestic animals without vital hydration sources.
With millions relying on local agriculture, particularly corn, the region's staple food, the ongoing drought threatens to push southern Africa further into a humanitarian crisis. USAID has indicated that over 20 million people in the region will urgently require food aid in early 2024, underscoring the dire need for international support.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
