Hunger grips drought-hit Madagascar

A devastating drought in southern Madagascar has put vast numbers of the region's residents on the brink of starvation.

At least 1.3 million people, or around two-thirds of those living in the Grand Sud region of the African island nation, are not getting enough food, said the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The drought has been called one of the region's worst in four decades.

The lack of rainfall, coupled with the effects of sandstorms, has made it nearly impossible for farmers to grow their own food. Many are now eating leaves, locusts and cactus fruit.