Most severe in 70 years: Historic drought grips Horn of Africa

A long-standing drought in the Horn of Africa is the most severe in over 70 years say the Copernicus Emergency Management Service.

The United Nations say that over 22 million people are ‘acutely food insecure’ as the dry conditions continue.

This figure has risen from 13 million at the start of 2022 and follows five consecutive failed rainy seasons.

Ethiopia is severely impacted by these failed rainy seasons where 12 million alone are in the position of acute food insecurity.

An estimated 1.7 million people have been forced away from their homes due to a lack of available water and pasture according to the UN’s latest World Food Programme report.

While none have yet been announced, Somalia is on the brink of declaring a famine having previously done so in 2011.

The Horn of Africa has two rainy seasons annually. Firstly, from March to May and again from October to December.

Current indicators suggest that a sixth failed season is expected from March this year with below-average rainfall.

The World Health Organisation say that over 80 million people across seven countries are currently food insecure to some degree.