Cape Town, South Africa — A volatile mix of severe drought and flooding is casting a shadow over Africa’s food security, with regions from East Africa to Southern Africa facing the brunt of these weather extremes.
The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) has reported that persistent flooding in parts of East Africa and intensifying dryness in southern Madagascar are among the most pressing concerns.
The Sudd wetlands of South Sudan are experiencing ongoing inundation, while central and western parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola are addressing drought conditions that have damaged crops, killed livestock, and reduced water availability. Madagascar’s southern region is in the grip of severe drought, a situation exacerbated by below-average rainfall since late December. Conversely, above-average rainfall has led to flooding and landslides in Congo, western DRC, northwestern/eastern Angola, Zambia, and parts of Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa.
A forecasted increase in rainfall next week in central South Africa and Lesotho raises the likelihood of further flooding. Rainfall deficits over the past 30 days have caused abnormal dryness in central Somalia and eastern Ethiopia, while temperatures in southern Mauritania, the Central African Republic, western South Sudan, and western Madagascar are expected to rise, leading to abnormally hot conditions. These weather events underscore the urgency for climate adaptation and resilience-building measures across the continent, According to reports, which advocates for increased investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
The upcoming climate negotiations present an opportunity for African leaders to call for more support and resources to address the continent’s unique challenges.
The situation in Africa serves as a stark reminder of the global implications of climate change and the need for coordinated international action to mitigate its impacts.
As the continent grapples with the dual threats of drought and flooding, the international community must come together to support Africa in its efforts to adapt to the changing climate and build a more resilient future.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Famine Early Warning System Network
