Zimbabwe: State of Disaster Declared Over Drought
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe declared a "state of disaster" on Friday (Feb 5) in rural areas hit by a severe drought, with more than a quarter of the population facing food shortages.
A regional drought worsened by the El Nino weather phenomenon has affected South Africa, Malawi and Zambia as well as Zimbabwe, leaving tens of thousands of cattle dead, dams depleted and crops written off.
Formerly known as the breadbasket of Africa, Zimbabwe has suffered perennial shortages in recent years and has relied on importing grain from neighbouring countries to meet its needs.
UN Photo/John Isaac