Drought pushes Somalia into official famine

TONY JONES, PRESENTER: The United Nations has declared a famine in two areas of southern Somalia as the country suffers its worst drought in more than half a century.

The UN said the humanitarian situation had deteriorated rapidly, affecting more than 10 million people in areas controlled by insurgents inspired by Al-Qaeda.

Aid agencies say they need safety guarantees from armed groups to allow staff to reach those in need.

The United Nations says that millions of dollars in aid will be needed to avert a catastrophe.

MARK BOWDEN, HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR SOMALIA: That $300 million is needed to address the famine in the next two months. This is a rough estimate and the number will probably increase as the number of people in need rises.

TONY JONES: The Red Cross says that one in 10 children fleeing to camps in Kenya and Ethiopia is at risk of starving to death.
more details