UN warns of Darfur food shortages

Daily non-cereal rations are to be halved

The UN has said a "drastic" funding shortfall will force it to cut food rations to more than 1m people in Sudan's conflict-torn Darfur region.

From next month, non-cereal daily rations will be halved so that current supplies can last through the summer.

The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said it has received just half of the $468m (£365m) it needs to feed 2m people adequately.

Supplies to malnourished children and nursing mothers will not be affected.

'Concern'

Carlos Veloso, WFP's emergency co-ordinator for Darfur, said the cuts would help the agency stretch supplies through July and August - the region's traditional lean months.

But he warned of the "negative" impact the cutbacks would have on thousands of people, already vulnerable after years of conflict.

He said: "We are very concerned about the negative effect this drastic ration cut will have on the health and psychological well-being of thousands of people, who are already weakened and traumatised by war."

The WFP said it has received about $275m (£214m) of the $468m (£365m) it says it needs to feed 2m people in the region properly.