Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation - Thu, 16 May 2013 10:15 AM

By Isaiah Esipisu

NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – The future of cassava, one of the most climate-resilient crops in Africa, may be under threat because rising temperatures have led to a dramatic increase in the number of whiteflies, tiny insects that spread the deadly cassava brown streak virus.

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IOM is working with the authorities and humanitarian partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo to assess the situation of some 39,500 irregular Congolese migrants who have voluntarily returned home from Angola in the past six weeks ahead of a threatened May 15th expulsion deadline.

HIGHLIGHTS

 The region is exposed to a range of environmental and social pressures.

 47 defined international humanitarian emergencies were identified between 2000 and 2012.

 The results highlight the short recurrence intervals for major shocks and the annual co-occurrence of multiple shocks.

 The research signals a transition from conditions of armed conflict seen in the 1980s and 1990s to social conflicts, often in urban areas, particularly in national capitals.

Ondjiva – At least 300 tonnes of several goods, among foodstuff and medicines, were distributed by the Angolan government, through the Ministry of Assistance and Social Reintegration and National Civil Protection Services, aimed to assist the population affected by the drought in the southern Cunene province.

This was said to Angop on Saturday in Ondjiva city by the provincial governor, António Didalelwa, during the distribution act of 181 tones of several products.

Source: Reuters - Thu, 9 May 2013 08:43 PM
Author: Reuters

Drought lasts two years in southern province of Cunene

Government to send emergency medical aid, food, water

UNICEF said 2012 drought affected 1.8 mln people

LISBON, May 9 (Reuters) - Angola set up an emergency plan on Thursday for the southern province of Cunene, where an estimated 300,000 people are at risk of malnutrition because of a two-year-long drought.

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Heavy, torrential rain fell over many parts of western Ethiopia, South Sudan, southern Somalia, Kenya and Uganda.

1) Poorly distributed and significantly below average seasonal rainfall has resulted in deteriorating ground conditions since January. This has negatively impacted crops and livestock throughout many parts of southern Angola and northern Namibia.

05/08/2013 13:32 GMT

LUANDA, May 08, 2013 (AFP) - An epidemic of dengue fever has broken out in oil-rich Angola for the first time, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Wednesday.

The outbreak hit the capital Luanda and surrounding areas, WHO country representative Hernando Agudelo Ospina told AFP.

"Since March, Angolan authorities have recorded 128 cases of dengue fever in Luanda province, the first time an epidemic of this disease has hit the country," he said.

"The government has taken the necessary measures to stem the epidemic."

Comoros: Flash Flooding

On Grande Comore island, heavy rains between 30 April and 1 May caused some rivers to overflow. An estimated 172 families were affected, of which 82 families had to stay with community members. Some affected people have already started returning to their homes. Government, with support from partners, is assisting those affected. A request for international assistance is not expected.

Mozambique: Early Recovery Strategy

CDC Continues to Support the Global Polio Eradication Effort The eradication of polio is an important priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are closer than we have ever been to eradicating polio and it is critical that we take advantage of this opportunity.