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Yemen conflict: Country on brink of famine, says UN official Yemen crisis: Famine threatens war-torn country, warns UN
(about 3 hours later)
Yemen's conflict has pushed it to the brink of famine, a top official says. Yemen's conflict has left it on the brink of famine, the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) has warned.
Ertharin Cousin, head of the World Food Programme (WFP), said markets in the country do not have enough food to feed the population - nearly 13 million people urgently require help. Food shortages, lack of fresh water, and low fuel stocks have created a "perfect storm" for the Yemeni people, the WFP's Ertharin Cousin said.
Aid agencies are also unable to reach areas of need because of the ongoing violence, she added. The organisation estimates nearly 13 million people urgently require help.
The conflict has involved Houthi rebel fighters clashing with forces loyal to the Yemeni government and its allies. The conflict has involved Houthi rebel fighters clashing with forces loyal to the Yemeni government and its allies, led by Saudi Arabia.
'Perfect storm' Ms Cousin, who was speaking after a three-day trip to Yemen. said aid agencies were unable to reach areas of need because of the ongoing violence.
Ms Cousin, who was speaking in Cairo after a three-day trip to Yemen, said fighting around the major ports is stalling deliveries of aid. She warned of "irreversible" damage unless food could reach the estimated 1.2m children suffering malnutrition.
She said Yemen faced the "perfect storm" because those people most in need were not being reached and aid groups working there were not getting enough financial support from donors. A recent WFP assessment of food security on the ground concluded Yemen was "one step away" from famine.
'Incomprehensible'
Meanwhile, UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien, who has also just returned from Yemen, told the UN Security Council on Wednesday that "the scale of human suffering is almost incomprehensible".Meanwhile, UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien, who has also just returned from Yemen, told the UN Security Council on Wednesday that "the scale of human suffering is almost incomprehensible".
He also strongly criticised the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen for bombing the port of Hodeida, saying it was a violation of international humanitarian law.He also strongly criticised the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen for bombing the port of Hodeida, saying it was a violation of international humanitarian law.
A UN World Food Programme ship was in the port, which is on the country's west coast, when it was hit by airstrikes on Tuesday night. A WFP ship was in the port, which is on the country's west coast, when it was hit by air strikes on Tuesday night.
"I am extremely concerned that the damage to the port of Hodeida could have a severe impact on the entire country and will deepen humanitarian needs," Mr O'Brien said."I am extremely concerned that the damage to the port of Hodeida could have a severe impact on the entire country and will deepen humanitarian needs," Mr O'Brien said.
The UN has raised Yemen to its highest level of humanitarian crisis, placing it alongside emergencies in South Sudan, Syria and Iraq.The UN has raised Yemen to its highest level of humanitarian crisis, placing it alongside emergencies in South Sudan, Syria and Iraq.
Nearly 2,000 civilians are said to have died since the coalition began its bombing campaign in support of the exiled government in March.Nearly 2,000 civilians are said to have died since the coalition began its bombing campaign in support of the exiled government in March.
More than 21 million people in Yemen - about 80% of the population - are in need of help, according to the UN.
Why is there fighting in Yemen?Why is there fighting in Yemen?
Yemen crisis: Who is fighting whom?Yemen crisis: Who is fighting whom?
Meeting the Houthis and their enemiesMeeting the Houthis and their enemies
Are you in Yemen? Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? You can share your comments and experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in Yemen? Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? You can share your comments and experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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