Famine
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APA
www.apanews.net
APA-Maputo (Mozambique) The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET), a US agency, has predicted severe famines levels in areas of Mozambique which were affected by drought and other natural disasters in the past farming season, APA learnt here Friday.
FEWS NET said that food insecurity was worsening in most of the country’s drought affected areas, and added that humanitarian assistance was urgently needed to assist over 300,000 food insecure people.
“Currently only about 250,000 persons in flood and drought affected areas are being assisted. The World Food Programme (WFP) has planned to address all food needs, but their food aid pipeline is undersupplied, and a pipeline break is imminent,\" the agency said.
FEWS NET said the situation was compounded by the fact that food prices continued to rise” although the rate of increase (in supply) has declined.
“Maize prices are still well above both the five-year average (2003–07) and prices at this time last year,” FEWS NET said.
The agency also noted that the late start of the rain season, which normally begins in October, has increased the probability of prolonged drought conditions in the south up until January and an extension of the hunger period into February.
Last month the WFP in Mozambique appealed for US$24 million humanitarian assistance to victims of floods and drought in the country.
 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. -- Luke 21:11
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