Government warns of looming humanitarian crisis

The Eritrean government has warned of an unfolding humanitarian crisis due to the complete failure of vital rains expected in April-May.

An alert, issued by the Eritrean Relief and Refugee Commission (ERREC), said the country was facing an "exceptionally severe and prolonged drought" which was threatening the survival of people and animals. It said the "unprecedented" dry spell had continued into June and July - the prime planting months.

"As a result, a humanitarian emergency that will have serious consequences - unless urgent preventive measures are taken by the international community - is unfolding," the ERREC statement said.

It pointed out that the 'Azmera' or spring rains are not only important for the growth of long cycle crops, but also for the pasture that provides fodder and water for livestock.

"Now that the planting season is almost coming to an end, without farmers planting the long duration crops, Eritrea expects to reap virtually little crop harvest this agricultural year," ERREC said. "The entirety of Eritrea's farming population will thus face the threat of a serious famine disaster."

It noted that the drought was occurring at "critical time when the country has been struggling to recover from the protracted emergency that was caused by the border conflict and drought that has persisted during the past four successive years".

Over a million people are already suffering from acute shortages of food, water and other non-food basic needs, it said.

"The government of the state of Eritrea hereby alerts the international community to a looming humanitarian crisis and appeals for an urgent response to avert impending human catastrophe," ERREC said.

Meanwhile, the European Commission has announced a further allocation of 1.75 million euros for humanitarian operations in Eritrea.

"Although the situation in Eritrea has improved markedly since the end of the border conflict with Ethiopia, there are still significant humanitarian needs to be addressed," it said in a statement.

The funds would be channelled through the EC's Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) and would be used for providing essential relief items for displaced people and returnees from Sudan, mine-awareness education and the protection programme of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Funds would also be used to support the UN's coordination of the international humanitarian effort in the country, the statement said.