The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating effects of a severe drought gripping Southern Africa. On Monday, Zimbabwe became the third country in the region to declare a state of emergency, following the steps of Zambia and Malawi.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Zimbabwe joins its neighbors in facing the harsh impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon. The prolonged drought has devastated crops and livestock, exacerbating food insecurity across the region.
According to OCHA, more than 2.7 million people in Zimbabwe are now facing food shortages. This alarming figure comes despite significant efforts by the government and humanitarian organizations to mitigate the drought’s worst effects through various intervention programs.
“The situation is dire,” noted an OCHA spokesperson. “Communities are struggling to access sufficient food and water, and the prolonged lack of rain is severely impacting livelihoods.”
The declaration of a state of emergency enables Zimbabwe to mobilize additional resources and seek international assistance more effectively. Regional cooperation and global support are deemed crucial in addressing the crisis and preventing further deterioration of living conditions for millions of residents.
The current drought highlights the vulnerability of agricultural communities to climate variability and extreme weather events. As nations grapple with these challenges, there is an increasing call for sustainable solutions and resilience-building measures to safeguard food security and support affected populations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
