28.2 C
Accra
Monday, February 17, 2025
Independent AfricaNational emergency declared in Zambia due to drought

Date:

National emergency declared in Zambia due to drought


Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has taken action in response to the prolonged drought gripping the country by declaring a national disaster.

In an address to the nation on Thursday, President Hichilema highlighted that 84 out of Zambia’s 116 districts are grappling with the effects of the drought.

The country has been grappling with scarce rainfall, raising concerns about potential food shortages and a strain on electricity supply, as a significant portion of Zambia’s energy is hydroelectric.

Water levels at the Kariba Dam, a key source of hydroelectric power for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, have plummeted to around 11.5% of usable storage as of December last year.

The president emphasized that the drought would hamper the generation of more than 450 megawatts of electricity and impact nearly half of the land used for agricultural purposes.

To address the looming crisis, President Hichilema pledged to augment food supplies by importing additional maize and other essentials.

He also announced plans to mobilize Zambia’s defence forces to aid in relief efforts and implement long-term strategies to combat drought.

Furthermore, President Hichilema called on farmers to adopt irrigation techniques to mitigate the effects of the dry spell, which has already impacted around one million farmers across the nation.

In a collaborative approach, the president affirmed his government’s commitment to working with various stakeholders, including opposition leaders and religious institutions, to address the crisis.

The severity of the situation has been evident on social media, with numerous posts depicting parched fields and failing crops, underscoring the urgent need for action.

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

Africa lacks leadership, innovative ecosystems and not talent – Bawumia

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President of Ghana,...

Africa’s prosperity and job creation depend on digital economy – Bawumia

Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has...

Annoh-Dompreh must resign immediately – Concerned Nsawam-Adoagyiri NDC members

A group of National Democratic Congress (NDC) members in...

Bellingham sees red in Osasuna clash

Jude Bellingham was sent off as Real Madrid missed...

Curfew imposed on Walewale politically motivated – MP 

The Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Mahama Tiah...

Related stories

Liberia: Over 450 govt officials suspended over failure to declare assets

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has suspended more than 450...

Congolese musician fatally shot while filming music video in conflict-hit Goma

Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, widely known as Delcat Idengo, has...

Gunmen ambush bus in Upper East, kills 1 injures 5

A bus traveling from Bawku to Bolgatanga in the...

Ramaphosa defends land reform amid Trump and Musk criticism

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken with billionaire...

Nigeria school fire kills 17 children

At least 17 children lost their lives after a...

New Ebola outbreak confirmed by Uganda’s health authorities

Uganda's health authorities have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here