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The warning comes after tropical cyclone Emnati made landfall on Wednesday in one of Africa’s most storm-prone countries and just days ahead of the launch of a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Four storms in a month

Cyclone Emnati, the fourth tropical storm to hit, is Cyclone Emnati. MadagascarIn one month. Reports indicate that the storms – Emnati, Dumako, Batsirai and Ana – “have wrecked the island nation, causing widespread damage to agricultural land, including the rice crop that was just weeks away from harvest,” said WFP.

Cash crops like pepper, coffee, cloves and coffee have also been badly affected.

According to UN food agency WFP,In some areas, up to 90% of crops could be lost. – particularly worrisome in a country where the majority of people make a living from agriculture. 

‘Bound to deepen hunger’

Crashing into vulnerable communities that are already at breaking point, the cyclone is “bound to deepen hunger”, including in southern Madagascar, which has been reeling from years of severe drought – another manifestation of the country’s vulnerability to climate extremes, according to WFP.

Due to the extreme drought in these areas, there are increasing concerns about flash floods.

“What we are seeing in Madagascar are extreme climate effects, a series or storms, and prolonged drought that have impacted hundreds of thousands.,” said Brian Lander, WFP’s Deputy Director of Emergencies.

Last December, there was already 1.64 million peoplewho were food insecure and in dire need of humanitarian assistance in the country.

Market supplies have also been affected by back-to-back hurricanes, which could lead to food prices skyrocketing and food insecurity spiralling over the next few months..

Forecasts show another tropical system in the South-West Indian ocean.

You must adapt to new realities

“While WFP is providing essential food in the aftermath of the storms, we need to be equally fast in thinking about how these communities are going to adapt to this new reality,” Mr. Lander continued.

Viviane Rakotoarivony for OCHA

People returning home from work in Behara, Amboassary District in Madagascar’s Grand Sud Region, where there is a historic drought.

While food and cash assistance are being offered to help with the recent storms’ effects, there is also IT and logistic support.WFP reiterated that climate adaptation is crucial for communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from climate shocks.

For example, WFP’s integrated risk management in the districts of Ambovombe and Amboasary last year reached 3,500 smallholder farmers with insurance, savings, and climate-adapted agriculture practices training.

Long-term management of responses

The UN agency calls for the expansion of long-term response programs, especially for communities at the frontlines in the climate crisis.

The WFP’s Country Strategic PlanMadagascar’s goal is to promote a shock-responsive social security system that can be integrated to ensure that vulnerable people have access to nutritious food in times of crisis.

Triggering global hunger

The climate crisis continues to drive the economy. global hunger worldwide.

In 2020, extreme weather contributed to most of the world’s food crises and was the primary cause of acute food insecurity in 15 countries, WFP concluded.

Recent reportsAn estimated 13 million people are now severely hungry in the Horn of Africa as they struggle with the worst drought conditions since 1981.