Overview

• Zimbabwe declares a national disaster in response to a severe drought caused by the El Nino weather pattern, calling for $2 billion in aid to address the crisis.
• The drought has affected over 2.7 million Zimbabweans, threatening food security and electricity production due to reliance on hydroelectric power.
• Southern Africa faces a widespread food crisis, with neighboring countries Malawi and Zambia also declaring national disasters due to the drought.
• The World Meteorological Organization reports this El Nino as one of the five strongest ever recorded, with impacts expected to continue fueling above-normal temperatures.
• Efforts are underway to mobilize international support and resources, including a $5 million allocation from the U.N.'s Central Emergency Response Fund for immediate needs.