Worsening drought forecast for Papua New Guinea

Australian aid workers say the drought afflicting much of Papua New Guinea is likely to worsen, with no sign of the rain needed for the planting of crops.

The aid agency, Ausaid, says in a report released today Thursday that the country could descend into long-term famine without more help from overseas.

More than one-million people -- a quarter of the population -- are now believed to be facing food shortages because of the drought, which correspondents describe as the worst in Papua New Guinea in fifty years.

Some deliveries of food aid were suspended earlier this week because of looting.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service