In 2024, Southern Africa faced a severe humanitarian crisis due to extreme drought, floods, diseases, and economic shocks, leaving 22 million people in urgent need. The situation has led to widespread food insecurity and malnutrition among children, increased disease outbreaks, and significant displacement. Humanitarian partners have scaled up efforts, although funding remains a critical issue.
In 2024, Southern Africa faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, driven by the most severe mid-season dry spell in over a century alongside floods, cyclones, and disease outbreaks. An alarming 22 million individuals required immediate humanitarian support, with the region suffering the effects of a significant El Niño event that brought about the worst drought on record and devastating floods in Tanzania.
Consequently, approximately 45 million people experienced acute food insecurity, prompting several nations such as Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to declare national disasters. The situation resulted in widespread malnutrition, with over 4 million children under five years old necessitating treatment for stunting due to food shortages.
Additionally, water scarcity heightened the risks of waterborne diseases, leading to the deadliest cholera outbreak in a decade, which accounted for around 70,000 cases and 1,374 deaths in 2024. Other disease outbreaks, such as mpox and measles, were reported, exacerbating the health crisis in the region.
The region also encountered destructive storms, with four tropical cyclones resulting in fatalities, displacements, and affecting around 610,000 individuals. Major tropical storms included Tropical Cyclone Belal in January, Severe Tropical Storm Filipo in March, and subsequent cyclones affecting Madagascar and Mozambique later in the year.
Compounding these challenges, economic shocks and ongoing conflicts in northern Mozambique triggered significant displacement, with the region housing 829,000 internally displaced persons and 676,000 refugees. In response, humanitarian organizations intensified their efforts, advocating for resources and launching life-saving initiatives across Southern Africa.
Despite these efforts, funding shortfalls continue to impede the capacity for an adequate response to the growing humanitarian needs in the region. Flash Appeals were issued for affected nations, including Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, to bolster governmental efforts and support the regional appeal by the Southern African Development Community.
For further details on OCHA’s initiatives, please visit their official website to stay informed about their ongoing efforts.
The humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa is largely attributed to extreme weather events and socio-economic factors that have amplified vulnerabilities within the region. These included the record drought linked to El Niño, widespread flooding, and the impacts of displacement caused by conflict and other hazards. Understanding this complex backdrop is crucial to grasp the pressing needs and ongoing responses by humanitarian partners.
In summary, Southern Africa’s humanitarian situation in 2024 is characterized by a confluence of climatic extremes, significant displacement, and escalating food insecurity, necessitating urgent assistance for millions. Despite increased humanitarian interventions, persistent funding shortages hinder effective responses to the urgent needs of affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
