Ethiopia's drought-stricken Tigray region records over 40 hunger deaths

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Ethiopia's northern Tigray region reported 46 deaths from hunger Thursday as it grappled with a drought.

In a statement to local media, Tigray’s Disaster Risk Management office confirmed the deaths, noting there are also reports of isolated cases in various parts of Tigray.

Alemayehu Gebremariam, a community representative in central Tigray’s Abergelle district, said that out of a total 19,000 hectares under cultivation, 17,000 hectares of crops had succumbed to the severe effects of the drought.

Ireland’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nicola Brennan, visited the region on Thursday, where she underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid, particularly focusing on providing essential sustenance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have endured the brunt of the prolonged civil conflict.

"We witnessed the conditions that they are living in and the challenges that they are facing. The IDPs are in a very difficult situation because their needs are great in terms of shelter and in terms of food support," she said.

"With the IDPs in particular, their critical need at the moment is food, and that was one of their key requests. It was more food availability and distribution, and we are pleased to know food aid distribution in Tigray will begin again soon," added Nicola, who was speaking to reporters after a meeting with Tigray's interim President Getachew Reda.

The Tigray region has been a focal point of international concern, with reports of widespread displacement, food shortages and dire humanitarian conditions.

Nicola underscored the immediate need for sustained efforts to provide essential resources, especially food, to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the prolonged conflict and the harsh environmental conditions.

She urged the international community to join hands in addressing the escalating food crisis in the Tigray region.

In March, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Food Programme (WFP) suspended food aid to Ethiopia's northernmost Tigray region, citing the diversion of shipments to illicit sales in local markets rather than reaching people in need.

USAID on Nov. 13 said it would resume food aid distribution in Ethiopia in December after a six-month halt.