Drought fears grip Malawi, Mozambique

Food shortage fears over a drought in southern Africa have prompted Malawi to declare a state of national disaster and Mozambique to issue a “red alert”. The President of Malawi, Peter Mutharika, warned in a statement some people needed aid for all of this year. Mozambique raised alert levels for southern and central regions. Zimbabwe, […]

Food shortage fears over a drought in southern Africa have prompted Malawi to declare a state of national disaster and Mozambique to issue a “red alert”.
The President of Malawi, Peter Mutharika, warned in a statement some people needed aid for all of this year.
Mozambique raised alert levels for southern and central regions.
Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Zambia are also suffering food shortages, while South Africa says its drought is the worst in a century.
Over 10 million people across the region will need food aid in the coming year, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).
Malawi has suffered both flash floods and drought recently, hitting the staple maize crop.
“It is very clear that we have [a] food shortage in the country which will affect a considerable number of our fellow citizens,” Mr Mutharika said.
The WFP’s David Orr told AFP news agency the worst was still to come.