A long-standing drought in southern Africa, caused by the El Niño phenomenon, has led to the death of thousands of farm animals in areas including southeast Angola, northern Botswana, and most of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The drought, which started in January, has resulted in a severe shortage of drinking water and the death of grass in pastures. The study found that Zimbabwe alone has seen over 9,000 cattle deaths and at least 1.4 million animals are at risk across the affected countries. This marks the first time in 40 years that February has been as dry as the spring and summer months.