El Nino has had a devastating impact on East Africa, especially Ethiopia. The United Nations says the country faces a humanitarian crisis. Together with flooding, a recent drought also means millions of Ethiopians are going hungry.
Just recently, a top UN official on humanitarian affairs had this dire warning on Ethiopia.
Kyung-Wha Kang, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator said:"Ethiopia is currently experiencing one of the most powerful impact of El Nino on record, which came on the heels of failed spring rains, the so-called belg rains."
And the figures are frightening. One in six Ethiopians faces food insecurity. "The lack of rainfall and subsequent drought has led to a massive spike in food, nutrition and water needs across the country," said Kyung-Wha Kang.
The African Union Peace and Security Council has been briefed on the crisis. And government has set aside millions to lessen the impact. But it’s also called on assistance from the international community.
El Nino is a climate pattern linked to the warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean. And it can have a profound effect on global weather patterns. East Africa is especially vulnerable this year
The UN has been calling for international support in this time of severe need. The World Health Organisation is already assisting – but no one wants a repeat of the country’s deadly famine in the 90s – caused by a Super El Nino.
Source: http://english.cntv.cn/
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