In 2024, Southern Africa faced a devastating humanitarian crisis with around 22 million people needing urgent assistance. Factors such as severe drought, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks have led to widespread malnutrition and health risks. Disasters, including cyclones and economic challenges, have dislocated thousands, necessitating increased humanitarian response and resource mobilization. However, funding shortages remain a pressing concern.
In 2024, Southern Africa witnessed a catastrophic humanitarian crisis driven by an unprecedented mid-season dry spell, floods, cyclones, disease outbreaks, economic challenges, and conflict. Approximately 22 million individuals required immediate humanitarian assistance as a result of these compounding factors.
The region was significantly affected by a severe El Niño event, resulting in one of the worst droughts on record accompanied by flooding in Tanzania. Consequently, around 45 million people faced severe food insecurity, leading to national disaster declarations in nations such as Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe due to the drought’s effects on food availability.
The crisis worsened as widespread malnutrition developed among children, with over 4 million children under five requiring treatment for stunting. Additionally, water scarcity heightened the risk of waterborne diseases, with the worst cholera outbreak seen in a decade reported in 2024, manifesting with approximately 70,000 cases and 1,374 fatalities.
Four tropical storms and cyclones caused extensive destruction across the region, displacing thousands and affecting an estimated 610,000 individuals. Notable instances included Tropical Cyclone Belal hitting Mauritius in January, followed by Severe Tropical Storm Filipo in Mozambique in March, and Tropical Cyclone Gamane impacting Madagascar. In December, Tropical Cyclone Chido affected Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi.
The ongoing climate shocks, economic instability, and conflicts in northern Mozambique have driven significant displacements, resulting in approximately 829,000 internally displaced persons and 676,000 refugees residing in the region. To address the severe humanitarian crisis, partners have increased their response efforts, advocacy, and resource mobilization, initiating life-saving programs and Anticipatory Action initiatives.
Numerous Flash Appeals have been launched to support affected countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Zambia, and Zimbabwe during this crisis, in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Nevertheless, persistent funding shortages have severely hampered response efforts across affected regions.
The humanitarian situation in Southern Africa remains dire due to repeated climate shocks and ongoing conflicts. The El Niño phenomenon has exacerbated drought conditions, resulting in devastating impacts on agricultural production and food security. As communities face prolonged challenges, such as malnutrition and lack of safe water, the region requires urgent intervention to address the escalating humanitarian needs of millions.
The humanitarian needs in Southern Africa have reached alarming levels due to multiple interlinked crises, including droughts, floods, and outbreaks of diseases. Millions are in dire need of assistance, and while partners are ramping up efforts, financial constraints pose significant challenges to effective response initiatives. A continued focus on mobilizing resources and implementing urgent humanitarian actions is necessary to mitigate the suffering of affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
