Ethiopia needs drought help: aid group

There are fears an estimated 1.5 million Ethiopian children could starve if a shortfall in emergency drought assistance is not addressed.

ChildFund Australia, which has worked in Ethiopia for 40 years, says it needs $30 million for six months of emergency food rations for 300,000 people in eight districts.

The drought is forcing farmers to hit the road with their livestock looking for water and as a result children are being pulled out of school.

Aid groups in Ethiopia are crying out for extra assistance.

The World Food Program says US$500 million (AU$706.4 million) is required to feed 10.2 million people beyond April this year.