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El Nino-hit Southern Africa launches $5.5BN humanitarian appeal

Pain in the fields: Droughts have become more frequent and harmful as climate change tightens its grip PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG
Pain in the fields: Droughts have become more frequent and harmful as climate change tightens its grip PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

SADC today launched a $5.5 billion (P74.4bn) global appeal for humanitarian assistance after the El Nino weather phenomenon caused the worst drought in decades across the region.

In a communique issued after eight Southern African Development Community heads of state met virtually, the regional organisation noted that El Nino had caused drought and floods across Southern Africa affecting 61 million people.

The last time SADC appealed for humanitarian assistance following El Nino was in 2016, through a $2.7 billion (P29.6bn at 2016 rates) request.

Editor's Comment
Rising abortion figures demand urgent action

Instead, they should serve as a warning to health authorities, community leaders, and policymakers that something is not right. According to the Palapye District Development Committee’s latest report, 130 abortion cases were recorded between April and June 2026.On the face of it, the overall figure may represent a decline from the preceding quarter. However, going deeper into the figures, the monthly trend tells a different and more worrying...

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