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HEAVY RAINS ATTRIBUTED TO EL NIÑO CAUSE EXTENSIVE CROP DAMAGE IN PARTS OF EASTERN AFRICA - 5 February 1998

Year of publication 1998

Author Trade and Markets Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Series title Special Reports and Alerts

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Since October 1997, exceptionally heavy rains associated with the El Niño phenomenon have caused havoc in most parts of eastern Africa, with severe floods seriously affecting food production and distribution. The floods have also caused extensive damage to crops, both in the field and in stores, as well as losses of large numbers of livestock. Severe damage has also been inflicted on the sub-region’s infrastructure (roads, bridges, rail lines), seriously disrupting the movement of goods within a nd between countries. In some countries such as Somalia and Kenya loss of human life has been significant. Food assistance is currently being provided to the affected people in these countries but substantial assistance is still urgently needed not only in the form of food but also as logistical support in view of transport difficulties. In the sub-region as a whole some 10 million people currently require emergency assistance.

Language English

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