Millions of Reasons to Keep an Eye on African Weather

Where you live can determine your likelihood of suffering through a natural disaster. For instance, the United States is vulnerable to billion dollar storms. The US is hit hard by severe storms for 5 main reasons. But in fact, everywhere around the world, there are problems related to weather disasters. Africa is particularly vulnerable as well. Changes in population and weather have increased the number of citizens already affected by epidemics, drought, and more. Even earlier this year, I reported on the floods in Africa. The graphic to the right illustrates the danger zones across Africa, with Ethiopia the hardest hit. Here 57 million people were affected over the 30 year period from 1971-2001.

The top 3 threats to populations around the globe are famine, drought, and floods. And, while famine may seem more of a biological disaster, it is usually related to weather. (Think too much or too little rain for crops.) In fact, several famine warning systems have been designed to predict the likelihood of famines including The Famine Early Warning Systems Network where satellites work to predict famine.

Author Credit: Digout, Delphine, based on a sketch by Philippe Rekacewicz; UNEP/GRID-Arendal

Image Source: People Affected by Natural Disasters During the Period 1971 to 2001. (2002). In UNEP/GRID-Arendal Maps and Graphics Library. Retrieved 02:06, October 18, 2007 from http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/people_affected_by_natural_disasters_during_the_period_1971_to_2001