Ethiopia begins food handouts to drought-hit millions
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
July 13, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – The Ethiopian government has began distributing food and non-food aid to millions of drought-stricken Ethiopians in south and south eastern regions of the country, said the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Ethiopian government in April appealed for US$398.4 million to provide emergency food assistance for millions of drought victims. The drought which has hit several countries in East Africa, including Somalia is the worst in 60 years.
The Ministry of Agriculture said some 4.5 million Ethiopians are in need of emergency humanitarian assistance, 40 percent more than estimated in April.
The Disaster Pre-emergency and Response unit and the Ministry of Agriculture are jointly assisting the worst hit areas, with every victim receiving half a litre of edible oil, 15 kilograms of wheat and a balance diet is being distributed to malnourished children.
According to Mitiku Kassa, Agriculture Minister, 380,000 metric tons of food is needed to assist the effected people including 700,000 children under five, pregnant and lactating women from across the country.
“The country has 113 metric tons of food in reserve. However nearly 380 metric tone of food is needed to fill the gap,” said Mitiku.
He added with more aid expected to land in the upcoming few weeks, the Ethiopian government has received 44 percent of the total appeal made for aid, made to the international community. The UK government has also provided US$61 million of aid.
(ST)
Wolleyewu
Ethiopia begins food handouts to drought-hit millions
Ha ha ha ha ha …….I am giggling a lot. Honestly I couldnot hold my laughter.
Woyane or tigray lead minority government in Ethiopia was defening the entire world with fake double digit growth for the last decaded while the real growth was to the negative incontrast.
Now they are begging from the world in the name of these inocent poor citizens.
Shame on you woyanes and the developed world leaders who has turned your blind eyes from the evil acts of the regime who committed extraordinary crime against the poor Ethiopians since 1991.
henok
Ethiopia begins food handouts to drought-hit millions
welleyew,
It is the fools who giggle. So you must be a super fool. Leave alone the proud and valiant people of Tigray. These proud people need not be in your stinky, giggling mouth. Go to Wello and hang yourself on one of the tree you have out there in Wello. Minority government? Ethiopia has been going down to hell for 300 or more years when it was under your majority government. shame on you giggle affff