The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in Eastern Province says government has extended the provision of relief aid to people affected by drought in the province.

Provincial Coordinator, Kalengo Mumba, said this is in an effort to address the worsening hunger situation caused by drought.

In an interview with ZANIS today Mr Mumba says relief aid will be extended from April 2024 to March 2025, providing the much-needed support to communities.

“The drought has had a crippling effect on many parts of the country, particularly the Eastern Province, and with this extension of relief aid ensures that vulnerable families will continue to have access to essential food supplies until the next harvest season,” he stated

Mr Mumba also said the relief efforts coordinated by DMMU have been instrumental in mitigating the crisis adding that the fight against drought extends beyond immediate food security.

“In the coming months, we will be conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to identify long-term vulnerabilities and tailor our relief efforts accordingly and this assessment will be crucial in building resilience for future climate shocks,” Mr Mumba explained.

He however, indicated the need for a shift towards drought-resistant crops which is a critical step towards long-term food security.

Mr Mumba further added that from October 2023 to March 2024, over 2,000 metric tonnes of relief supplies had been distributed across the region to families.

Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought as a national disaster calling for emergency relief supplies to people affected by the natural calamity in the country.

Zambia has about six provinces that were severely hit by the drought leading to crop failure in most instances.

Other countries affected by the drought include Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

Zimbabwe and Malawi have followed suit in declaring the drought situation as a national disaster.