The United Nations has announced a critical intervention to address the escalating hunger crisis in northern Ethiopia, allocating $17 million in emergency funds to aid drought-stricken regions. The decision, unveiled by Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths, reflects growing concerns over the severe impact of a new El Niño-driven drought affecting the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the funds released from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) aim to provide immediate relief as food insecurity intensifies. “Food insecurity is only set to increase in the coming months,” OCHA reported. “As the new drought intensifies, more than 10 million people across Ethiopia are expected to need food assistance during the July-to-September lean season.”
The current drought compounds the hardships faced by communities already reeling from previous droughts and ongoing conflicts. The situation is expected to be further exacerbated by projected flooding, which could hinder relief efforts and access to affected areas.
Humanitarian agencies are mobilizing to deliver essential aid, including food, water, and medical supplies, to the most vulnerable populations. The UN’s timely allocation is seen as a pivotal step in preventing a worsening humanitarian disaster in the region.
Efforts are also underway to address the long-term impacts of climate change and improve resilience among affected communities. International cooperation and support are deemed crucial in ensuring sustainable solutions to the recurring challenges posed by extreme weather events in Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa.
The international community watches closely as relief operations commence, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle food insecurity and promote stability in the region.
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UN releases $17 million to aid drought-hit northern Ethiopia
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