Ethiopia crisis worsens as drought prevails.
8.5 million people are in dire need in Ethiopia due to worsening drought and a deteriorating food security situation, up from 5.6 million in January, according to the United Nations.
Despite this, the international aid appeal for the country is only one quarter funded, nine months into the year.
“Civilians living in rural areas in the south and east of the country are the worst affected,” said Gabriella Waaijman, Regional Director of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
“The nation is facing its worst drought in decades.
We are calling on donors to urgently scale up the funding needed to meet the massive needs we are witnessing.” The periodic heating event El Niño is in its third successive year of wreaking havoc on lives and livelihoods in Ethiopia.
Low spring rains this year in the southern and eastern parts of the country have further intensified the drought conditions.
In particular, the Somali region of Ethiopia in the southeast is suffering one of its most severe droughts in decades.
Lives are at risk and we desperately need international donors to step up their support.
NRC is present in four regions in Ethiopia assisting people displaced by conflict and drought through food security, shelter, education, and water and sanitation activities.