Hopper bands and swarms continue to form on both sides of the Red Sea
The Desert Locust situation remains critical along both sides of the Red Sea. Hopper and adult groups, hopper bands, and swarms are forming in Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Eritrea. Smaller infestations are present in Sudan. Control operations are underway in all countries, including aerial control in Saudi Arabia, Eritrea and Sudan.
As ecological conditions remain favourable, a second generation of breeding will cause locust numbers to increase further and more bands and swarms are expected to form in January.
The outbreak in northwest Mauritania has nearly come to an end as a result of intensive control efforts. Nevertheless, small-scale breeding is likely to occur in those areas that remain favourable in the coming months, including the north and northeast where good rains fell last month.
Reports of locusts continue to be received from locals, farmers and nomads in northern Somalia, especially in areas that received heavy rains associated with a tropical cyclone in November. Surveys are in progress to clarify the situation.
