The declaration comes as Lesotho grapples with the most severe drought in 100 years, triggered by an intense El Niño event that has swept across Southern Africa.

The drought has wreaked havoc on the region's agriculture, with an estimated 40 to 80% loss of the maize crop, a staple food source. The situation in Lesotho is particularly acute, with around 700 000 of its citizens, nearly one-third of the population, facing severe food shortages.

The government's declaration is a plea for international aid and a call to action for local authorities to mitigate the effects of this catastrophic climate event on the Basotho people.

--ChannelAfrica--