President declares state of national disaster
Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe joins its neighbors in facing a severe drought crisis, prompting President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare a nationwide State of Disaster on Wednesday.
This decision follows concerns raised by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) about potential hunger in southern Africa.
The drought, attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon, has ravaged crops across Zimbabwe.
This follows similar declarations by Malawi and Zambia earlier this year, highlighting the regional impact of El Niño. Scientists suggest climate change is intensifying El Niño’s effects, making droughts more extreme.
“Dear Zimbabweans; The foregoing situation of the climate change-induced drought requires measures and interventions as provided for in our laws. To that end, I do hereby declare a nationwide State of Disaster, due to the El Nino- induced drought,” announced Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa on Wednesday.
President Mnangagwa, citing a food cereal deficit of nearly 680,000 metric tonnes, emphasized food security as a top priority.
“We expect 868 273 metric tonnes from this season’s harvest, hence our Nation faces a food cereal deficit of nearly 680 000 metric tonnes of grain. Measures to encourage private sector participation are already in place. Top on our priority is securing food for all Zimbabweans. No Zimbabwean must succumb to, or die from hunger,” said the president.
The WFP previously warned of potential food insecurity for nearly 50 million people in southern and central Africa. This concern has been amplified by the current dry spell, with February marking the driest month in 40 years for Zimbabwe and Zambia. Agencies like USAID projected urgent food aid needs for over 20 million people in the region earlier this year.
Zimbabwe’s declaration underscores the urgency of the situation in southern Africa. The international community is expected to play a crucial role in assisting the affected countries.
