Hazards/Threats

Africa - Eritrea, Ethiopia  Increasing numbers of reports are warning of the possibility of a widespread need for food aid in Ethiopia and Eritrea as signs of increased malnutrition are being seen in some areas. Poor belg or azmera rains in February-May, and a late start to the Meher (mid to late summer) rains are being blamed for the failure of crops and livestock deaths. WFP reports that 5.9 million people in Ethiopia are in need of food aid and they estimate that 100,000 tons of food will be needed for relief efforts during the October to December period. (IRIN, IRIN)

Asia - India, Nepal, Bangladesh  Heavy monsoon rains led to severe flooding in northeastern India, eastern Nepal and Bangladesh in July. According to one OCHA report, more than 10 million people have been affected and 300 have been killed in India where affected states include Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. In Nepal, at least 198 people have been reportedly killed by monsoon-related flash floods and landslides since mid-July. (OCHA OCHA OCHA)

South America - Peru, Bolivia  Unusually cold weather affected southeastern Peru and much of Bolivia during July as up to 1 meter of snow and temperatures as low as -12 degrees C were reported in some locations. More than 60,000 people were left without food or shelter due to the unusually heavy snow which also led to the deaths of 59 people, mostly children. As much as one-fifth of the country's herds of alpacas and llamas were anticipated to perish due to lack of access to fodder. The president of Peru declared a state of emergency in eight provinces (OCHA). The severe winter weather also affected wide areas of Bolivia during the month. Potosi, Bolivia was especially hard-hit. (IFRC, PAHO). The IRI seasonal forecast for the region indicates a slightly enhanced probability that temperatures will rebound and be above average for the coming season.

Africa - Malawi  A bubonic plague outbreak, with 178 cases mostly among young children, has been aggravated by the current drought situation in Malawi. The shortage of food resulting from the drought is affecting both humans and animals, bringing rodents with plague-infected fleas into closer contact with humans. Source: UNWire

Asia - Taiwan  A rapid rise in temperature and frequent rain showers have contributed to a dengue outbreak in the southern part of Taiwan, with 283 confirmed cases. Source: Taipei Times

Central America - El Salvador and Honduras  A dengue emergency continues due to recent heavy rains in the region providing mosquito breeding grounds. The most affected countries are El Salvador and Honduras with over 1500 and 6000 cases, respectively. The risk of contracting the hemorrhagic form of dengue is almost 30 times higher this year over last year in El Salvador, and 19 times higher in Honduras. There is concern that the epidemic will spread to other countries in Central America. Sources: UNWire, PAHO

Europe - Scotland  Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis and E. coli have been linked to recent heavy rains in Scotland. Cryptosporidia and E. coli are found naturally in animal feces which may have been washed into the water supplies due to the rains. Sources: BBC, ProMED

North America - United States  A mild winter in the western United States is believed to have contributed to an increase in rodent populations that carry the hantavirus. In recent weeks, cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, including the death of a 20-year-old woman, have been reported in Colorado, Nebraska, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Drought conditions in this region are thought to be causing rodent excrement, where the virus is found, to dry out and become airborne more easily. Source: ProMED

South America - Peru  There have been 60 deaths and 70,000 people affected by the recent cold snap that hit southern Peru covering the region in three feet of snow and dropping temperatures to as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, their lowest in a decade. Most of the deaths were young children suffering from pneumonia. Source: Disaster Relief

Africa - Mauritania, Senegal  Continuing dry conditions in West Africa are greatly stressing crops and livestock in the region. Especially affected are southern Mauritania and Senegal. Even if seasonal rains develop in the coming month, agricultural losses are expected to be significant. If the rains fail all together widespread crop failures in the region are anticipated. (IRIN, Agrhymet).

Asia - India  The widespread break in summer monsoon rains which started in late June continued during July leading to significant rainfall deficits. All but the northeastern section of the country is affected by the driest conditions seen since 1987. With the onset of drought affecting many agriculturally important regions, the government has decided to provide $340 million in relief and there is concern that the expected decline in the agricultural sector could significantly effect India's overall economy. About 90% of the productive rice regions in India have reportedly received less than normal rainfall, in some areas by as much as 50%. (OCHA)

The IRI seasonal forecast indicates a slightly enhanced probability for rainfall to be below average in western India in the coming 3 months.

Australia - Australia  Continued dry conditions in eastern Australia are having a major impact on agriculture. Many farmers are facing liquidation after failing to cope with the worst drought in a decade. Especially hard-hit are sections of eastern Queensland and New South Wales. Cattle is being sold in large volumes as feed and water supplies become limited. (BBC)

The latest IRI seasonal forecast indicates a slightly enhanced probability for continued below-average precipitation in the coming 3 months in much of eastern Australia.

North America - Canada  Prolonged drought conditions across the plains of central Alberta and Saskatchewan has greatly stressed summer crops and pasture land this summer. Up to one-third of agricultural land in Saskatchewan is reportedly in a low- to no-yield condition. Wheat exports are expected to drop by more than 20% from last year's levels and cattle auctions are on the increase given the decreased quality of pastures. World market prices for some crops may be affected. (CNN, USASK)

Asia - India  The poor quality of summer monsoon rains across much of India since late June is having an impact on hydropower generation. About 25% of India's power requirements are met through hydroelectric generation and power shortages have been experienced in July due to reduced water reserves. The government planned to increase power production generated by fossil fuels and purchase power from outside the country to offset the reduced hydropower output. (BBC)