DHAKA: Yemen’s conflict has left it on the brink of famine, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has warned.

Food shortages, lack of fresh water, and low fuel stocks have created a ‘perfect storm’ for the Yemeni people, the WFP's Ertharin Cousin said, reports the BBC.

The organization estimates nearly 13 million people urgently require help.

The conflict has involved Houthi rebel fighters clashing with forces loyal to the Yemeni government and its allies, led by Saudi Arabia.

Cousin, who was speaking after a three-day trip to Yemen, said aid agencies were unable to reach areas of need because of the ongoing violence.

She warned of ‘irreversible’ damage unless food could reach the estimated 1.2m children suffering malnutrition.

A recent WFP assessment of food security on the ground concluded Yemen was ‘one step away’ from famine.

In the latest violence, a bomb exploded next to the governor’s office in the southern city of Aden, killing four people.

BDST: 1851 HRS, AUG 20, 2015
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