El Nino drought worsens Sudan hunger crisis

Sudan is facing a severe agricultural crisis as El Niño–Southern Oscillation conditions delay rains and cause Nile water levels to drop, compounding the effects of an ongoing civil war and a separate conflict in the Gulf. The war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, ongoing since April 2023, has killed over 200,000 people and pushed nearly 20 million into crisis levels of hunger. Additionally, the conflict between Iran and the United States has disrupted fuel and fertilizer supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, causing costs to soar. Now, El Niño–Southern Oscillation has delayed crucial rains and lowered Nile water levels, devastating farmers across the country. Water levels at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam reservoir were six meters lower in July compared to the previous year. Farmers in key agricultural states like Gedaref and Al-Jazira report unprecedented low water levels and crop failures. Many have abandoned their lands, and 65% of Sudan's arable land is already out of commission. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization warns of heightened climate risk, and experts call for more cooperation among Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over dam management.