Zimbabwe declares 'state of disaster' over drought

He said the 'food insecure population' has risen to around 2.44 million, or 26 percent of the population.

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe on Friday declared a \"state of disaster\" in many rural areas hit by a severe drought, with 26 per cent of the population facing food shortages.

\"The president has declared a state of disaster in regard to severely affected areas,\" public works minister Saviour Kasukuwere said in a statement.

He said the \"food insecure population\" has risen to around 2.44 million, or 26 percent of the population.