Ethiopia Faces Famine Conditions as Drought Deepens; 9 Million Need Food Assistance
β’ The World Food Programme declared a humanitarian emergency in Ethiopia's Somali and Afar regions Friday, warning that sustained drought has destroyed crops and livestock herds, leaving 9.4 million people facing acute food insecurity. β’ Local authorities reported a 60% crop failure compared to last year; malnutrition rates among children under five have climbed to 18%, approaching famine thresholds, WFP spokesperson stated. β’ The organization called for immediate international funding to deliver emergency rations and establish feeding centers, noting that conflict in neighboring regions has already strained Ethiopia's humanitarian response capacity.
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