Africa is facing a climate double whammy this week, with devastating floods in Sudan and Chad colliding with a severe drought in Lesotho, according to the United Nations. 🌦️🔥 Over half a million people are caught in the crosshairs of extreme weather, highlighting the urgent need for global action.
Floods Submerge Communities
Torrential rains since late June have turned streets into rivers across Sudan's South Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern states. The UN reports that 500,000+ people are affected, with homes destroyed and farmland underwater. Meanwhile, Chad’s eastern regions are battling floods impacting 136,000 residents, straining resources in already vulnerable areas. 💧🚧
Drought Grips Lesotho
In stark contrast, Lesotho’s parched landscapes tell a story of scarcity. A UN spokesperson warned that 71,000 people now require urgent food aid as crops fail and water sources dry up. The country’s mountain kingdom, typically known for its rugged beauty, is now a hotspot for climate-induced hardship. ⚠️🌵
UN’s Call to Action
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stressed that these crises \"underscore the brutal reality of climate extremes.\" Humanitarian groups are racing to provide shelter and clean water, but funding gaps threaten relief efforts. Why it matters: From flooded villages to cracked earth, Africa’s climate chaos is a wake-up call for vulnerable nations worldwide. 🌐📉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com