Nearly 68 million people suffer from drought in South Africa

The drought, which began in early 2024, has hit agriculture and livestock production and hurt the economy. Leaders of the 16 SADC member states met in Harare, Zimbabwe, to discuss food security and other regional issues.

A woman serves traditional porridge in Kotwa, Mudzi district, Zimbabwe. Photo: REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo

Some 68 million people, or 17 percent of the region's population, are in need of assistance, said SADC Secretary-General Elias Magosi.

Mr Magosi said the 2024 rainy season had been challenging due to El Nino and global warming.

Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi have declared states of emergency, while Lesotho and Namibia have called for humanitarian assistance.

SADC launched a $5.5 billion appeal in May to tackle the drought, but contributions have been insufficient. Angolan President Joao Lourenco has called on international partners to step up efforts to help the affected people.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/gan-68-trieu-nguoi-chiu-canh-han-han-o-nam-phi-post308203.html