Dozens more die of hunger in Ethiopia as drought worsens

At least 176 people have died in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray state due to drought-induced hunger, authorities said.

Hadush Asemelash, a regional administrator, told Tigray TV that those who have died so far comprise 101 men and 75 women.

About 45,000 people in Emba Sieneti district are facing severe hunger, worsened by the two-year civil war and drought, governor Kidanmariam Surafel said.

The authorities also said there was an increased number of people fleeing their homes as a result of the ongoing drought and insufficient humanitarian aid.

Last week, the Tigray interim administration declared a state of emergency after more than 200 people died from drought-related hunger in recent weeks.

The Horn of Africa has had five failed rainy seasons since 2019, according to the UN.

The US and UN suspended aid earlier this year after allegations of theft - a move that has worsened the humanitarian crisis.

Tigray is recovering from a two-year civil war which ended a year ago, while a conflict has erupted in the neighbouring Amhara region.