The UN World Food Programme said on Wednesday that it would launch the largest emergency food relief operation in the history of Malawi.
It said that it would send the food relief to not less than 6.5 million people who might require such assistance in the coming months.
Malawi is one of the southern African countries worst affected by a drought caused by the climatic phenomenon El Nino.
Dry spells last year have also contributed to the drought, which affects up to 40 per cent of the 16-million populations.
“I’ve talked with women in rural areas who told me they have enough food for just a few more weeks, after which they will have nothing,” WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin, said.
Across southern Africa, up to 18 million people will require emergency assistance until March, according to WFP.