Millions face hunger as Myanmar crisis worsens, United Nations says – Reuters

Millions face hunger as Myanmar crisis worsens, United Nations says – Reuters

Members of the armed forces stand guard during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar March 27, 2021. REUTERS/StringerFood insecurity is rising sharply in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis with millions more people expected to go hungry in coming months, the United Nations said on Thursday.Up to 3.4 million more people will struggle to afford food in the next three to six months with urban areas worst affected as job losses mount in manufacturing, construction and services and food prices rise, a World Food Program (WFP) analysis shows."More and more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food," country director Stephen Anderson said in a statement."A concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, and to prevent an alarming deterioration in food security."The WFP said market prices of rice and cooking oil had risen by 5% and 18% respectively since the end of February, with signs that families in the commercial capital of Yangon were skipping meals, eating less nutritious food, and going into debt.The agency plans to expand operations, tripling to 3.3 million the number of people it assists, and is appealing for $106 million,