Drought grips Afghanistan

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KABUL, Afghanistan, March 4 (UPI) -- Afghanistan is experiencing its worst drought in a decade and its food crisis is deepening as a result, experts said.

The relief agency Oxfam said that as a result of the water shortage, 5 million Afghans would face severe food shortages and possible starvation, AccuWeather.com reported Wednesday.

The Web site said the hardest hit provinces of Nangarhar, Takhar and Laghman.

Experts say that tens of thousands of displaced Afghans and returning refugees from Pakistan and Iran are increasing the demand for food in the drought-ridden country.

Meteorologists say that the overall weather pattern will continue to keep Afghanistan drier than normal in the coming weeks, and a weak front may bring spotty rain and snow showers to northern areas this weekend.