A severe drought triggered by the El Niño weather phenomenon has ravaged southern Africa, leaving millions facing a dire food crisis.
Five countries in the region have declared national disasters as crops have failed and malnutrition rates have soared.
The World Food Program (WFP) has warned that the situation could turn into a “full-scale human catastrophe.”
Over 27 million people are affected, with 21 million children at risk of malnutrition.
The drought has been exacerbated by climate change, making it one of the worst food crises in decades.
Aid agencies are racing to provide assistance, but funding remains a major challenge.
The WFP requires $369 million to address the immediate needs of the affected population but has only received a fraction of that amount.
The drought has had a devastating impact on agriculture, livestock, and livelihoods across the region.
Power shortages and rising food prices have further compounded the crisis.
Governments are struggling to cope with the consequences, and international aid is urgently needed to prevent a humanitarian disaster.