World news outlets claim 'Millions of Zambians at risk of food shortages'

A BBC London headline stated today that 'Millions of Zambians at risk of food shortages'.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and its Zambian counterpart are appealing for $3.5m (£2.7m) in donations to avert "catastrophic" food insecurity that it says could affect 2.3 million people.

Low rainfall and waterlogging have destroyed many crops, the humanitarian groups say.

A lack of drinking water caused by drought means that "people and animals - both livestock and wildlife - are having to use the same water points," says Zambia Red Cross's head, Kaitano Chungu.

"This is unacceptable as it exposes people to diseases and creates a heightened risk of animal attacks."

Food relief has been provided over the past few months, the Red Cross says in a statement, but adds "more help is needed".

The headline has alarmed Zambians who are constantly being reassured by the government that they are not at risk of going hungry.