CAFOD: 10 million face worst drought in 6 decades

Ten million people are facing a devastating drought in the East and Horn of Africa, warns UK based, Catholic Aid Agency, CAFOD.

Very poor rains have led to crop failure, serious food and water shortages and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of animals in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan. With no rain expected until October, the situation can only get worse.

Speaking to Emer McCarthy Jeff O’ Donoghue of CAFOD’s International Division says that their aid workers and church partners throughout the region describe the drought as the worst they have ever seen. They have warned that “unless urgent help is received, the drought will lead to food shortages on an unprecedented scale.”

“The rains and crops have failed, livestock are dying, and tens of thousands of people are walking miles in a hopeless search for food and water. There is nothing on the horizon that will improve that picture, and every likelihood it is going to get much worse”.

CAFOD director Chris Bain adds: “Every donation to CAFOD is having an impact on the front line of this crisis, so the individuals, families, parishes and schools who support this appeal can literally make the difference between life and death for thousands of people over the coming weeks” Listen: