More than half of South Sudan’s population, approximately 7.56 million people, will experience “crisis or worse levels of hunger” during the April to July 2026 lean season, according to UN-backed hunger experts. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) also warns that over two million children will suffer from acute malnutrition during this period. Food insecurity in South Sudan is worsening as stated by the UN agency.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq highlighted ongoing warnings about the severe food and nutrition crisis affecting the country. The latest report from the IPC, a UN-backed international food security expert panel, describes hunger levels in Luakpiny/Nasir and Fangak counties as catastrophic. Threats of famine in southern Luakpiny/Nasir county are high if conflict continues, access remains restricted, and flooding and disease outbreaks persist. UN agencies emphasize the importance of cultivating fields and reopening markets to combat hunger in South Sudan.
In the last century, tsunamis have killed over 260,000 people, marking them as the deadliest natural hazard, according to the UN disaster risk reduction agency (UNDRR). The theme for World Tsunami Awareness Day this year is Be Tsunami Ready: Invest in Tsunami Preparedness, emphasizing the need to bolster resilience against such disasters. Despite their rarity, tsunamis pose an existential threat due to their destructive nature. UNDRR chief Kamal Kashore calls for increased investments to enhance preparedness and resilience to tsunamis.
The recent 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s coast on July 30, 2025, accentuates the importance of rapid warnings, as swift actions allowed timely evacuations, preventing extensive loss of life. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges improvements in early warning systems as rising sea levels and coastal living put more people at risk.
In southern Lebanon, UN peacekeepers report heightened military activity along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel, including movements and exchanges of fire. According to UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, peacekeepers observed significant military presence from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and noted over 100 IDF vehicles in the area. They also reported approximately 300 rounds of small arms fire from south of the Blue Line near Kfar Shouba and an additional 100 rounds near Shab’a. Haq urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property, as UNIFIL continues joint patrols and training with the Lebanese Armed Forces.
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