ESAT News (January 3, 2017)
Ethiopian regime says five million people are in need of immediate food assistance.
The National Disaster Risk Management Commission disclosed to local media that about one billion dollars is needed to mitigate the scourge. The Commission said 5.6 million people need immediate food assistance.
According to the Commission several cattle have died due to lack of food and the situation could get worse unless immediate aid is available.
The drought is more severe in the Somali, Oromo and South regions of the country.
An estimated one million students were forced to stop school due to the severe drought.
The United Nations meanwhile said two million pastoralists are faced with serious shortage of water. It said studies are underway to determine the extent of the crises.