President of Zimbabwe declares national disaster amid drought

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national disaster in the country due to severe drought.

"I am declaring a state of national disaster due to severe drought and pest infestations," the head of state said during a press conference. "We expect that more than 2.7 million people will need food assistance, as previously estimated. But we will not allow anyone to die of hunger. We will purchase grain abroad."

The president also appealed to the international community to provide assistance.

"We will need an additional $2 billion to combat the drought," he said.