United Nations, February 16 (RHC)-- The United Nations has warned that around 49 million people in southern Africa could be affected by drought. A report released by the UN World Food Program warns that around 14 million people are already facing hunger in the region. The UN agency also noted that the drought has been worsened by the most severe and longest El Niño weather pattern in 35 years, as it has caused the lowest recorded rainfall between October and December since 1981.
This comes as several countries across the region have been struck by a drop in food production and a rise in food prices due to the ongoing drought.