The Egyptian government, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, has declared a state of emergency along its southern borders to combat an invasion of desert locusts, particularly following the sighting of large swarms covering tens of kilometers. These swarms have crossed from Sudan into the border regions of Egypt, specifically in the cities of Hala’ib, Shalateen, and Abu Ramad, which are part of the Red Sea Governorate. This invasion poses a significant threat to agricultural areas.
The Central Administration for Pest Control under Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture is actively engaged in combating the locust infestation. They have set up 55 locust bases throughout the country, with a particular focus on the border regions. Continuous surveillance is underway in the southern Red Sea area.
Informed sources confirm that efforts are being made to eliminate and contain locust clusters in Hala’ib, Shalateen, and Abu Ramad. Egypt is not the native habitat for these locusts; they arrive from Sudan. There is ongoing daily coordination with the Sudanese government regarding this matter.
Ahmed Rizk, the head of the Pest Control Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, stated that small swarms of the yellow desert locusts entered Egypt via Sudan and are being localized in Hala’ib and Shalateen. Special locust control teams have been monitoring and addressing these swarms promptly.
Explaining the dangers posed by the yellow desert locust, Rizk stated that they consume any green vegetation in their path, making early intervention crucial. He reassured citizens, saying, “We have significant control over them up to this moment, confining them to mountainous areas.
Shalateen is the farthest they have reached.” Rizk also mentioned that locust reproduction is more significant this season, largely due to early rainfall and Sudan’s inability to control them due to its internal situation, leading them to migrate to Egypt for the season.
