In the northern regions of Tigray and Amhara in Ethiopia, more than 50 individuals have lost their lives as a result of both a severe drought and a cessation in the provision of essential aid, as reported by local authorities.Â
This distressing situation has been exacerbated by a series of five consecutive unsuccessful rainy seasons experienced in the Horn of Africa since the year 2019.
The impact of these climatic challenges, coupled with the disruption in humanitarian assistance, has given rise to a critical humanitarian crisis, leading to significant loss of life and increased vulnerability among the affected populations in these regions.
Aid from the US and UN was suspended earlier this year amid theft allegations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Tigray, recovering from a two-year civil war, witnessed about 46 deaths in the town of Yechila, while six died in the neighboring Amhara region. Severe drought also led to the death of over 4,000 cattle.
Simultaneously, southern and eastern Ethiopia experienced flash floods, causing more than 370,000 people to flee their homes. The floods claimed at least 43 lives in the eastern Somali region.
During the Tigray war, humanitarian aid was cut off, resulting in an unknown number of deaths. An estimated 500,000 people may have died due to war, lack of medical supplies, and hunger in famine-like conditions.
The conflict concluded with a peace deal between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) brokered by the African Union.
Post-conflict, aid flowed steadily until June when the US and UN paused assistance, citing systematic theft by corrupt officials.
The US plans to resume widespread food deliveries in December after implementing reforms to ensure supplies reach those in need.
Across East Africa, heavy rains and flash floods have killed 130 people in recent weeks. The UN termed these events a “once-in-a-century event.” Somalia, previously grappling with catastrophic droughts, now faces significant flood impact, particularly in Beledweyne, where the Shabelle River burst its banks.
The El Nino phenomenon, linked to Pacific Ocean warming, significantly affects East Africa, leading to flooding, cyclones, drought, and wildfires.
While not all droughts or floods result from climate change, increasing atmospheric heat intensifies droughts, and a warming atmosphere makes extreme rainfall more likely.
Global temperatures have already risen by approximately 1.2°C since the industrial era began, emphasizing the need for worldwide emission reductions to curb further warming.
