Officials in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region confirmed that 176 individuals have died due to hunger induced by drought.
Hadush Asemelash, a regional administrator, reported the deceased to be 101 men and 75 women, emphasizing the dire situation exacerbated by the two-year civil conflict and drought.
Governor Kidanmariam Surafel highlighted the severity of the situation in the Emba Sieneti district, where approximately 45,000 people are facing acute food shortages as a consequence of the ongoing drought and the lingering effects of the conflict.
The authorities noted a rise in displacement due to insufficient humanitarian aid amidst the prevalent drought conditions.
Recently, the Tigray interim administration declared a state of emergency following the deaths of over 200 individuals due to hunger-related issues in the past few weeks.
The Horn of Africa has experienced five consecutive unsuccessful rainy seasons since 2019, a concerning pattern highlighted by the UN.
The humanitarian crisis has been further aggravated by the suspension of aid earlier in the year by the US and UN, triggered by allegations of misappropriation, intensifying the challenges faced in the region.
Tigray continues its recovery from a two-year civil war that concluded a year ago, while the neighboring Amhara region is grappling with its own emerging conflict.
Source-BBC
