World News in Brief: Deadly Strikes in Ukraine, Rainfall Warning for Horn of Africa, and $710 Million Appeal for Rohingya Refugees

 

UN Condemns Deadly Attack on Aid Warehouse in Ukraine

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has strongly condemned the deadly Russian missile and drone strikes that hit the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Tuesday night.

According to Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, UNHCR Representative in Ukraine, at least two civilians were killed and several others injured in what she described as a “horrific attack.” The strikes also damaged a warehouse operated under contract with UNHCR, resulting in the destruction of vital humanitarian supplies.

Ms. Castel-Hollingsworth extended condolences to the families of the two warehouse workers killed in the attack, as well as to the families of civilians who lost their lives in other assaults across Ukraine within the last 24 hours.

Humanitarian Supplies Destroyed

The warehouse was reportedly struck by a ballistic missile before catching fire. Preliminary assessments indicate that nearly 900 pallets of humanitarian aid — including blankets, hygiene kits, and emergency shelter materials valued at more than $1 million — were destroyed.

The supplies had been scheduled for distribution to evacuees, displaced persons living in collective shelters, and residents whose homes had been damaged by ongoing conflict.

“It is absolutely abhorrent that humanitarian premises and relief items continue to be damaged in relentless air strikes,” Ms. Castel-Hollingsworth said.

She also condemned the repeated targeting of humanitarian workers delivering aid to vulnerable communities.

WMO Warns of Below-Average Rainfall in the Horn of Africa

Meanwhile, weather and climate experts have issued a warning over the likelihood of below-average rainfall across large parts of the Greater Horn of Africa during the critical June-to-September rainy season.

The alert was issued on Wednesday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), citing forecasts from the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC).

The outlook raises concerns for agriculture, water supply, livestock, hydropower generation, food security, and public health across the region.

The June-to-September rains contribute more than 50 per cent of annual rainfall in northern and western areas of the Greater Horn of Africa and over 80 per cent in most parts of Sudan.

Drier Conditions Expected Across Several Countries

Countries expected to experience drier-than-normal conditions include South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan, and parts of Kenya.

Experts warn that central, northeastern, and northwestern Ethiopia, southern Sudan, and northern Uganda face the highest risk, with probabilities of below-normal rainfall exceeding 60 per cent and reaching as high as 80 per cent in northeastern Ethiopia.

However, isolated areas of northern Sudan, southeastern Ethiopia, and parts of Somalia may receive above-average rainfall, while some regions in Sudan, Somalia, and Kenya are expected to record near-normal conditions.

UN Launches $710 Million Appeal for Rohingya Refugees

In Bangladesh, the United Nations and humanitarian partners have launched a $710.5 million appeal to support more than one million Rohingya refugees living in camps, as well as the local communities hosting them.

The appeal, unveiled in Dhaka on Wednesday, is 26 per cent lower than the previous year’s funding request and is intended to provide only the most essential lifesaving assistance.

The funding will cover critical sectors such as food, shelter, healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), with $36.2 million specifically allocated to support host communities.

Rising Needs Amid Limited Resources

More than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees — most of whom fled violence and persecution in Myanmar nearly a decade ago — continue to live in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh.

Humanitarian pressures have intensified following the arrival of approximately 150,000 additional refugees since early 2024, placing even greater strain on already limited resources.

The appeal comes at a time when humanitarian agencies worldwide are facing growing operational challenges due to increasing global crises and funding constraints.

Kelly T. Clements, Deputy High Commissioner of UNHCR, stressed the importance of sustained international support.

“As resources become more limited, it is more important than ever to help refugees build skills and resilience so they can gain independence, maintain hope, and rebuild their lives,” she said.

“Until the Rohingya can safely return home and rebuild their communities, we must continue to provide protection, care, and dignity where they are.”