Mmegi

Why do frequent El Niños still catch the region by surprise?

Friday, May 24, 2024 | 220 Views |

Changing times: El Nino is predictable but regional governments struggle to deal with its impact

Every seven years or so, the El Niño phenomenon, hated and dreaded in equal parts, covers the region with heatwaves and droughts. As authorities assess the devastation from the most recent visit, why does it seem El Niño still surprises the region? MBONGENI MGUNI writes

SADC, this week, launched a $5.5 billion (P74.4bn) global appeal for humanitarian aid, in the wake of a devastating El Nino-hit summer that brought record droughts and floods to more than 60 million people in the region.

The last such appeal was a $2.7 billion request in 2016, which at the exchange rates of the time amounted to P29.6bn.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

'I was deceived'

Larona Makhaiza | 8 h ago

Fierce battle looms in BPF Nata-Gweta primaries

Chakalisa Dube | 15 h ago

BPF to win all Serowe constituencies

Innocent Selatlhwa | 15 h ago

BDP councillor withdraws candidacy, decries voters roll manipulation

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 15 h ago

BDP primaries: More fireworks, twists and turns

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe,Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 15 h ago

Choppies' P1m Olympic incentive

Calistus Kolantsho | 17 h ago

Masole gears for third Chess Olympiad

Calistus Kolantsho | 18 h ago

Wildebeests on the cusp of rugby history

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO | 18 h ago

BDP primaries leave a lot to be desired

The BDP as a party known to have ample resources has always held its primaries well in time, but this time around that was not the case. The first leg of the primaries was held last weekend, with the final leg being billed for the coming weekend. This time around, the BDP failed to shine in its primary elections. The elections were chaotic; most if not all polling stations didn't open at the specified time of 6am. Loyal BDP members braved the...

The Monitor Editor | 22 July 2024

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More

Why do frequent El Niños still catch the region by surprise?

Every seven years or so, the El Niño phenomenon, hated and dreaded in equal parts, covers the region with heatwaves and droughts. As authorities assess the devastation from the most recent visit, why does it seem El Niño still surprises the region? MBONGENI MGUNI writes