Fears of food shortages as Angola floods worsen

Aid agencies warned on Friday that devastating floods that have hit 220 000 people in Angola could cause food shortages in a country where farming remains poor after decades of war.

In Cunene, 130 000 ha of farmland have been destroyed and as many as 300 000 cattle are at risk because they are cut off from grazing areas.

Local media have also reported that distressed elephants are tearing up flooded fields, and the UN report said all provinces are concerned about limited food reserves and increased malnutrition.

"Food security is always an issue in Cunene. It is very dry and arid most the year but then when the rains come, they come with such force they wash away a lot of crops which makes things worse," said Juan Sheenan, head of the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) in Angola.