Somalia Declares National Emergency Over Locust Invasion

Somalia has declared a national emergency due to a severe locust invasion, which threatens food security as the harvest season approaches. The UN warns that if the locust swarms grow larger, Somalia could face a food crisis. The desert locust is a highly destructive pest, capable of consuming as much food as 35,000 people in a day. The current invasion has affected the entire East African region, including Ethiopia and Kenya, and could become a plague if not contained. The UN is seeking $76 million to support control operations, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Why has Somalia declared a national emergency?

• Following a political crisis

• Due to a severe drought

• In response to a flood

• Because of a locust invasion

What makes the desert locust particularly dangerous to crops?

• They are difficult to detect

• They are resistant to pesticides

• They can consume as much food as 35,000 people in a day

• They only target staple crops

Which countries in East Africa are also affected by the locust swarms?

• Rwanda and Burundi

• Ethiopia and Kenya

• Uganda and Tanzania

• South Sudan and Djibouti

What is the potential consequence if the locust invasion is not controlled?

• It will result in a flood

• It will become a locust plague

• It will lead to a drought

• It will cause a political crisis

How much funding is the UN requesting to combat the locust invasion?

• $50 million

• $100 million

• $76 million

• $25 million