Northern Kenya affected by worst drought in a decade

 Millions of livestock have died in northern Kenya as the worst drought in a decade threatens survival in the region.

Rangers are also reporting alarming numbers of deaths among wildlife.

Drought conditions in the region as well as much of Somalia and southern Ethiopia are predicted to persist until at least mid next year, putting lives at risk.

Carcasses of cattle, goats and even giraffes litter the road in South Wajir. Water pans and vegetation is dry. The area is one of the areas most affected by the drought.

Local officials say up to 70% of cattle and 60% of goats have died of starvation, thirst or diseases due to lowered immunity levels. That’s millions of livestock, the livelihood of pastoralists, wiped out within months.

Neighbouring Somalia has declared a humanitarian emergency.

Experts says droughts and floods are occurring in greater frequency, suggesting that climate change could already be taking a toll on the region.

Three consecutive seasons of poor rains have left 26 million people struggling to get food. That number is likely to rise, as forecasts suggest similar conditions could occur during the long-rains season between March and May next year.

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