Millions of children will suffer
disproportionately from the failed harvests and devastated livelihoods left
behind by the El Nino weather phenomenon.
An NGO known as “Save the Children” said this Tuesday.
“Children face protection risks as
families and communities move in search of work, food, water and grazing land
for animals,” said David Wright, the charity’s East and Southern Africa
Regional Director.
The charity estimated that 26.5
million children could face malnutrition, water shortages and disease in
affected African regions.
“Children are also finding it
difficult to stay in school, due to hunger or lack of water,” Wright added in a
statement.
El Nino affects rainfall patterns
and causes both drought and flooding.
The 2015-2016 El Nino, one of the
most powerful on record, has caused significant damage across several east and
southern African countries, sending hunger levels spiraling and leading to
greater spread of diseases.
Ethiopia has been experiencing its
worst drought in 50 years, while Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique all issued
drought alerts earlier in 2016.
Three UN bodies estimated in early July that about 40 million people in east and southern Africa would not have enough food in the aftermath of El Nino.
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