In Pakistan, 2014 marked one of its worst periods of famine as several hundreds of people died in Thar
SHIKARPUR: Famine — a situation of extreme scarcity of food, which leads to many people being malnourished — is destructive. It has been affecting lives of millions of people around the globe and resulting in many casualties. The reasons for it are widespread, including war and drought.
Back in the 19th century, famine claimed around 75 million lives, from the great Chinese famine (1958-61), the Soviet famine (1932–33) to that of a year-long Persia (present Iran) (1917-18). Post-WWI, Europe too faced its worst period of famine. More recently, nearly 260,000 people died during the famine that hit Somalia in 2010. In fact, US-based Famine Early Warning System Network has put South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Nigeria under areas of highest concern and predicts around 70 million people will suffer from famine in 2017.
In Pakistan, 2014 marked one of its worst periods of famine as several hundreds of people died in Thar. As a result, in order to avoid casualties, early warning systems should be installed to monitor agricultural production and overall rainfall trends, and healthcare and water production should be improved. More importantly, there is a dire need for the world to unite and protect countries, help and provide to those already hit by famine and assist in trying to stop future occurrences.
Wajahat Abro
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2017.
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