Lesotho prepares for increased heat and drought linked to El Niño

The weather forecast for Socorro, in the state of São Paulo, covers the period from September 25 to 30, indicating climatic variations throughout the week.

On Friday, the 25th, sun interspersed with clouds is expected, but with the possibility of rain showers and thunderstorms, registering minimum temperatures of 16°C and maximums of 25°C.

The weekend promises more stable weather. On Saturday, the 26th, the sun will appear among few clouds, with no precipitation forecast, with a minimum of 15°C and a maximum of 28°C. On Sunday, the 27th, the day will be sunny, possibly with fog, with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 29°C, and no risk of rain.

The start of the new week brings sun among clouds. On Monday, the 28th, the forecast is for sun among some clouds, with a minimum of 17°C and a maximum of 29°C. Tuesday, the 29th, will feature sun among many clouds and periods of overcast sky, with temperatures fluctuating between 19°C and 32°C.

Finally, on Wednesday, the 30th, the day will begin with sun and an increase in clouds in the morning, but rain showers are expected for the afternoon and evening. Expected temperatures are a minimum of 20°C and a maximum of 32°C.

The Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Fernando Rafael, stated at the opening of his ministry's XII Coordination Council that forecasts for the upcoming rainy season indicate a strong El Niño event. The greatest impact is expected to fall on the southern and central regions of Mozambique, which could lead to a significant decrease in rainfall, prolonged drought periods, and episodic intense rains.

In light of the potential consequences of this phenomenon, the Government has decided to react proactively and has prepared a plan valued at $401 million (349.2 million euros). This plan covers areas such as water resources and supply, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, healthcare, education, social protection, and food aid.

Fernando Rafael emphasized that the Government is aware of the scale of this problem and has therefore decided to act before the most serious consequences manifest, preparing a Mitigation Plan estimated at approximately $401 million USD.

Of the total planned amount, the Government has secured $125 million (108.9 million euros) through external support. Approximately $276 million remains to be raised for the full financing of the measures outlined in the plan, Fernando Rafael specified. He added that fundraising efforts will continue through the State Budget and partners.

The plan provides for emergency food assistance to 343,773 people, corresponding to about 68,755 families. Social protection measures are intended to cover around 234 thousand families. In the agricultural sector, activities are planned for over 155 thousand farmers and 90,500 livestock keepers, with priority given to areas most susceptible to drought and water scarcity.

Planned actions include the construction and reconstruction of water supply systems, dams, reservoirs, and multipurpose wells, distribution of drought-resistant seeds, livestock protection, strengthening school feeding programs, and providing sanitary and nutritional aid to the most vulnerable families.

Fernando Rafael noted that the response will be phased: first preparation and immediate response, followed by recovery and stabilization, and only then strengthening resilience and prevention. He advocated for this approach to protect the population and enhance communities' ability to cope with future droughts and other extreme weather events.

The details of the mitigation plan, disclosed today, were approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday. A government representative, Salim Wala, explained that this instrument includes strengthening and replenishing water security for human consumption, irrigation, and livestock drinking, as well as preparing the health, education, energy, and industry sectors for the possible impact of the phenomenon.

At the same time, the Government reported that an intersectoral group is deepening the assessment of the financial and social consequences of El Niño. The executive branch had previously warned of possible consequences in at least 52 districts of the southern and central regions. Furthermore, a technical analysis conducted by the Secretariat for Food and Nutrition Security indicated a possible exacerbation of the acute food crisis by 55% by March 2027, affecting 1.84 million people.