A view of a corn crop, ruined by drought, in Baja Verapaz, Guatemala. Guatemala's President Alvaro Colom declared a state of 'calamity' over food supply in Guatemala, where a prolonged dry spell has reduced the harvest of staples like maize and beans by up to 50 per cent. REUTERS via Straits Times, 24 Sep 2009

By Staff Writers
Geneva (AFP) April 9, 2010 The United Nations on Friday appealed for funds to help Guatemala cope with the worst drought in 30 years and counter a looming famine, after a March appeal for financing went largely unanswered. “This appeal of 4.7 million (dollars), which is not enormous, has received only three percent of financing … not even a million dollars,” said Elisabeth Byrs, spokeswoman of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. She warned that Guatemala is suffering from the “worst drought in 30 years” and that 2.7 million people needed aid. “Frankly, it’s an appeal that is not sufficiently financed and which risks joining the long list of under-financed appeals,” said Byrs. The March 5 appeal sought funds for food, health services, potable water and sanitary equipment to 680,000 people over the next six months. The drought in Guatemala, which is threatening famine in 2010, is expected to continue, and perhaps worsen, while late rains would hammer the upcoming harvest, the UN said.

UN urges relief funds for Guatemala drought