Oxfam supports millions affected by climate-related disasters

Severe drought and deadly floods are happening simultaneously on the African continent. 52 million people in 18 countries are facing a severe hunger crisis as a result of the extreme weather.

Photo: Pablo Tosco / Oxfam Intermón

Southern Zimbabwe has had the lowest rainfall since 1981, contributing to acute food shortages for more than 5.5 million people. Drought has also hit countries in the Horn of Africa, while record-breaking temperatures in the Indian Ocean have caused extreme rainfall in Kenya and South Sudan, where nearly a million people have been affected by floods. From South Africa, there are reports of farmer suicides.

Hoden Abdi Iwal, 36, from Ethiopia, is one of those affected by the drought.

Photo: Pablo Tosco / Oxfam Intermón

Many of the countries affected by extreme weather are already suffering from ongoing conflicts. In the first half of 2019, 7.6 million people in Africa were forced to flee their homes due to conflict. During the same period, 2.6 million people were forced to flee due to extreme weather.

Research shows how climate change is causing extreme weather events to increase in intensity and frequency. Over the past decade, 18 African countries have collectively lost $700 million annually due to climate disasters. At the same time, minimal progress is being made internationally to raise money to address the damage - which is extremely unfair as Africa accounts for less than 5% of total global emissions but is suffering some of the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

Oxfam provides humanitarian aid in Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Oxfam currently reaches over 7 million people in the ten countries with food and water aid, as well as long-term development projects to help people cope with the crisis situation.