AFRICA/ANGOLA - Sixty days before drought in southern Angola becomes an emergency. “After that we will be faced with a much more serious and life threatening situation” says government minister

Luanda (Agenzia Fides)- “The situation in the three provinces at present is concerning. It is not yet an emergency but it requires immediate attention on the part of the central government” the Angolan minister for Land Administration Virgilìo de Fontes Pereira said after a visit to the southern provinces of Cunene, Huila and Namibe affected by serious drought.
The Angolan authorities say drought in this part of the country is a cyclic problem. At the moment the people are faced with dwindling pastures and arable land. The most affected province is Hila where rural communities are forced to consume reserve supplies of cereal which could run out.
“Fortunately so far no one has died of hunger” the minister said. “At the moment the situation is under control but we know that unless the necessary measures are taken, in sixty days time we will be faced with a much more serious and life threatening situation”.
To prevent an emergency the government has said it will send food aid, seed and other basic necessities.
Local NGO Juventude Ecológica Angolana said drought has killed about 600 animals in the provinces of Benguela and Huila. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 7/3/2006 righe 24 parole 243)