Analysis of satellite images and data by scientists reveals how global warming creates a "whiplash effect", causing irregular extremes.

Climate data analysis published by WaterAid, Cardiff and Bristol universities finds that under extreme climate pressures, areas experiencing frequent droughts are now more prone to frequent floods, while other regions historically prone to floods are now experiencing more frequent droughts.

The southern Shabelle region of Ethiopia, which experienced numerous flood periods between 1980 and 2000, has shifted towards prolonged and severe drought, as shown by the analysis published on November 12.

The Shabelle River, a major water source for Somalia, has recently experienced the most severe drought conditions in the Horn of Africa. The increase in droughts is reflected in northern Italy, and the research shows that the number of intense droughts experienced by both regions has doubled since 2000.

However, as part of what researchers describe as a "climate peril reversal", droughts in both regions are followed by extreme rains causing devastating floods, as occurred in the Lombardy region of Italy this summer.

The research examined the frequency and magnitude of flood and drought hazards over the past 41 years in locations in six countries: Pakistan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Mozambique. Italy was included as a European comparison.

The reversal of climate extremes is experienced by millions of people living in some of the poorest areas of the world, where communities are often ill-equipped to cope, say researchers.

Tim Wainwright, the CEO of WaterAid, stated that the climate crisis is a global water crisis. "Our climate has become increasingly unpredictable, with devastating consequences", he said.

"From drought-affected farmlands to flood-ravaged settlements, the communities in Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Ethiopia are facing alarming effects of climate change; Uganda is experiencing increasingly catastrophic floods, and Mozambique, a chaotic combination of both extremes".

The research was published on the eve of the UN Climate Change Conference Cop28, where funds to help communities adapt and become more resilient to the extremes of climate change will once again be on the agenda.