Zimbabwe appeals for $1.5bn in drought aid

Zimbabwe's government has appealed for international assistance to deal with the impact of the continued drought.

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa says the government needs $1.5bn (£1bn) to finance humanitarian aid operations until the end of this year. 

There are now about three million Zimbabweans - or around 30% of the population -  who need food aid.

"It is is clear that there is a threat to human and animal life as safe water, irrigation water and drinking water sources for animals are increasingly drying up." Mr Mnangagwa said.  

A special cabinet committee has been set up to oversee the response to the drought.

The long-running drought has led the government to declare a state of disaster in some parts of the country