#TodayInHistory: 03 April 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national state of disaster as a severe El Niño-induced drought gripped the country, affecting nearly 80% of Zimbabwe and triggering a major food security crisis. The drought destroyed close to half of the nation’s maize crop, leaving over 2.7 million people in urgent need of assistance and creating a grain deficit estimated at 680,000 metric tonnes.
Authorities warned of worsening conditions as reduced water levels also impacted hydroelectric power generation, compounding economic challenges. The declaration enabled the government to mobilize resources and formally appeal for international support, with Zimbabwe becoming one of several Southern African nations, alongside Zambia and Malawi, to declare a disaster amid the regional drought crisis.
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