Seasonal rains have failed to materialize in some parts of Ethiopia, causing deaths of many cattle and other animals. Witnesses say hundreds of cattle are dying daily, especially in the Afar Region.
Wondimu Filate, a spokesman for the Agriculture Ministry, told The Associated Press that: "The government has enough food stock and it is assisting farmers to continue their farming practices with improved seed items and drought-resistant crops." The government says there is no risk of a food shortage and it is stockpiling food.
Adamu Kebede, a truck driver, told AP he has seen hundreds of cattle lying dead along the main road that stretches from the Addis Ababa to the Afar Region's capital, Semera, adding that he has seen dozens of trucks unloading emergency food aid.
