The Current Locust Disaster In Africa

[fmdog44]

The current situation remains extremely serious in the Horn of Africa where, despite control operations, an increasing number of swarms formed in eastern Ethiopia, including the Ogaden, and perhaps adjacent areas of northwest Somalia. Although some swarms moved to Eritrea and Djibouti, the majority moved south in the Ogaden and Somalia, and several large swarms reached Kenya at the end of the month. There is a risk that some swarms could possibly reach South Sudan and Uganda.
The unusually heavy rains that have impacted Eastern Africa since October 2019—driven by the strongest positive Indian Ocean Dipole since 2016—have contributed to a serious and widespread desert locust outbreak, according to FAO and IGAD*. Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan have been affected, with the outbreaks in Ethiopia and Somalia the worst in 25 years, and in Kenya the worst in 75 years. There remains a risk that locusts could appear in south-east South Sudan and north-east Uganda.

This story could lead to mass migration from people starving due to crop loss already measuring in the millions of metric tons . I have yet to hear a ingle prediction of when it will end. America experienced this at one time. It is not getting the press coverage it deserves.

 

[pleinmont]

It looks terrible we saw it on the BBC news at lunchtime.

 

[Gardenlover]

I saw this in the news as well on BBC. It is terrible news and I have no idea as to how anyone could control it. My heart goes out to them.

Although I've never tasted one, it's my understanding that locusts are edible and contain protein and fats. Could this help feed some of the people that are being effected? (Not being a wise guy - it's a serious question)

I imagine these countries livestock population will still be decimated. Sad indeed.

 

[Laurie]

I have seen them, but nowhere near this scale.

They are totally devastating.

Just as an aside, in normal times in some areas the locals eat them.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

Just when you're feeling sorry for yourself, you see people with real problems.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I can't even fathom this! I feel so bad for those affected.

 

[Ruth n Jersey]

This is terrible. I haven't seen any news reports about it. I have seen old photos of when they were here in America many years ago. Nothing was left after the swarms went through.

 

[Packerjohn]

Religious nuts will tell you that's it's God's will or God's punishment. Total rubbish. Plagues of locusts have been around since early biblical times. It sort of like rabbits reaching their peak in 7 year cycles.

 

[Laurie]

This is terrible. I haven't seen any news reports about it. I have seen old photos of when they were here in America many years ago. Nothing was left after the swarms went through.

BBC news showed some video.

Have a look on their news website under "Africa".