Record Levels of Drought in Ethiopia Affecting Populations and Livestock

The southern region of Ethiopia has been suffering from a severe drought for three years, and it is expected that the current season will end in the same condition. This situation has prompted relief agencies to issue warnings calling for increased assistance to prevent this humanitarian crisis. United Nations estimates indicate that "12 million people, or one-tenth of the population, are experiencing food insecurity in drought-affected areas of Ethiopia, and dozens of dead and decaying livestock on the ground are being fed on by scavenging animals." Local government official Jilo Wail fears that "the villagers may be next and could lose their lives due to the drought. More than 100 residents are in the hospital in critical condition due to malnutrition."