| Event: | OT Other |
| Number: | 2016-000005 |
| Country: | LSO Lesotho |
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| Date (YMD): | 2016-1-18 |
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| Information Source: | IFRC |
| Comments: | Lesotho last had normal rainfall between April and May 2015. This made it difficult for Basotho (Lesotho people) to be engaged in winter ploughing due to scarce moisture. The first rains were expected between August, September, October and November, but in vain it is reported that vegetation conditions experienced in November 2015 were at their lowest in 15 years. According to the December 2015 FEWSNET report the strong El Niño event enhanced probabilities of below-normal rainfall and continued dry conditions in Southern Africa. Lesotho`s onset of rains was delayed by 30-40 days affecting land preparation and other agricultural activities. Of the few people who managed to plant their fields, the crops are dying off due to this prolonged dry spell. These conditions have also negatively affected livestock conditions due to poor pastures and limited availability of water.
The prolonged dry spells and drought not only affected maize production but other crops such as sorghum, beans, peas and wheat have also been affected, and harvests are down and low yields are therefore expected. The drought situation resulted in a 51% cereal deficit of the required 247,000 metric tonnes. Out of 10 districts the 5 hard to reach districts in Lesotho are the most affected including Qacha's Nek, Mokhotlong, Thaba Tseka, Quthing and Mafeteng. |
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THIS DISASTER ON THE INTERNET:
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