Home / Weather News /

Worst drought in decades: Catastrophic famine in East Africa

03:00 PM
July 16, 2022

Millions are hungry
Catastrophic famine hits East Africa

People carrying wheat sacks at a food distribution site in the western Tigray region of EthiopiaPeople carrying wheat sacks at a food distribution site in the western Tigray region of Ethiopia - © picture alliance

Several countries in East Africa are facing severe famine following one of the worst droughts in decades.

Following a very poor start to the rainy season, with below-average rains from March to May, and the fifth consecutive season without adequate rain, conditions are life-threatening.

More than 18 million people are currently suffering across Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, to name a few, and are in desperate need of food aid and support in order to survive. In Somalia, they are experiencing the worst drought in 40 years.

Food security in Somalia is currently only 20% funded, with 230,000 Somalis already living in famine conditions.

A nutrition clinic there has reported a 265 percent rise in the number of severely malnourished children under the age of five.

The crisis in Ukraine, combined with the economic impact of the pandemic, are responsible for driving the cost of food, but climate change is creating widespread, worsening conditions too.

The climate used to be predictable for those living in the East Africa, but with rain continuing to fail and water essential for agricultural production and health, the people are in crisis.

James West
More on the topic
Saturday, May 3, 2025

May astronomy outlook

Meteor shower and the Flower Moon
rip current
Monday, May 26, 2025

As more head to the coast

Rip currents & safety tips
Sunday, June 22, 2025

Why & how does it work?

High pressure & extreme heat
All weather news
This might also interest you
Friday, July 4, 2025

Heavy rains, floods

Tropical Depression 3 forms near the Southeast
Thursday, July 3, 2025

Daily briefing

Transitional day, before the forecast irons out
rainbow
Sunday, June 29, 2025

Video: Weather explained

How does a rainbow occur?
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement