The United Nations-affiliated World Meteorological Organization expected “a devastating drought in the Horn of Africa to be exacerbated by the absence of rain for the fifth consecutive year,” warning that “the countries of the region are facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.”
The organization warned in a statement that “Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are facing the worst drought in 40 years” and it is likely that “these countries will not have enough rainy seasons to provide adequate water supplies.”
In addition, World Meteorological Organization spokesperson Claire Nullis clarified in her statements that “the drought will continue,” adding that “The Greater Horn of Africa Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum has published its forecast for the rainy season from October to December next year, but, unfortunately, forecasts show a high likelihood of drier than average conditions over much of the region.”
For his part, Guled Artan, director of the United Nations Regional Climate Center for East Africa, said in a statement that “forecasts show that the Horn will experience a bad rainy season for the fifth year in a row.” Africa,” adding that “in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, people are on the brink of an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.
The warnings came a week after the United Nations World Food Program announced that “the number of people at risk of starvation in the drought-stricken region has risen to 22 million”, expecting “drought-affected areas in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia will see much less rain.” Usually before the end of the year
So far, four dry seasons have killed millions of livestock, destroyed crops and forced about 1.1 million people to leave their homes in search of food and water.
The rainy season, which runs from October to December, typically provides up to 70 percent of annual water savings in the tropical parts of the Greater Horn of Africa, especially in eastern Kenya.
Source: El Nashra