The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns millions of people in the greater Horn of Africa will likely face a fifth consecutive season of insufficient rains. According to the United Nations agency the terrible long drought in the Horn of Africa is set to continue for another year, which will worsen the humanitarian crisis which is impacting millions of people who already have suffered the longest drought in 40 years.
The WMO regional forecast for October to December shows high chances of drier than average conditions across most parts of the region. In particular, the drought affected areas of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia are expected to receive significantly below normal rainfall totals through until the end of the year. According to the U.N. agency the October to December season contributes up to 70% of the annual total rainfall in the equatorial parts of the Greater Horn of Africa, particularly in eastern Kenya.
Recently humanitarian agencies raised the alarm on the number of people suffering from acute food insecurity in 2022 in the Greater Horn of Africa. This number stands at over 50 million. UN agencies warn Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya are on the brink of an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
Further information
Full text: āGreater Horn of Africa faces 5th failed rainy seasonā, statement by the WMO, released 25 August 2022
https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/greater-horn-of-africa-faces-5th-failed-rainy-season