Rewriting New Chapter of Locust Crisis

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An unprecedented desert locust outbreak destroying millions of hectares of crops and pastures is worsening food security and livelihoods of millions in East Africa, Middle East and Asia. In Kenya, it represents the most devastating outbreak the country has experienced in 70 years. Two neighboring countries Somalia and Ethiopia are facing the worst desert locust crisis in 25 years. Yemen in the nearby Arabian Peninsula is also threatened as 18 million Yemenis are already in acute food insecurity and depend on international humanitarian aid. Damages in crops are also reported in India and severely in Pakistan where the worst locust infestation in 25 years will likely result in £4.3 billion crop losses. As reported by Locust Watch, widespread rains in late March and May in parts of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia created conditions conducive to desert locust development. Without proper control, rains continuing in June could result in another devastating wave in the region from September through December this year.