In the wake of a devastating war, the north of Ethiopia is now grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. The Tigray region is facing drought, crop failure, and continued insecurity, leading to warnings from local officials that over two million people are at risk of starvation. Exclusive access granted to the BBC has shed light on the dire situation, with satellite imagery revealing the full extent of the emergency.

As the month of July approaches, the region enters a critical period for food security. This is the time when farmers need to plant crops to make use of the seasonal rains. Unfortunately, the satellite images examined by the BBC indicate that reservoirs and the farmlands they irrigate have dried up due to last year's failed rains. The success of the upcoming farming season relies heavily on replenishing these resources through seasonal rains.

One of the highlighted areas is the Korir dam and reservoir, located approximately 45km (28 miles) north of Mekele, the regional capital. In June 2023, the first image displayed a small lake with an artificial barrier, known as a micro-dam, along with fertile land irrigated by the reservoir. This system had supported over 300 farmers cultivating wheat, vegetables, and sorghum. Sadly, the second image from June 2024 depicts an empty reservoir and parched fields, rendering the irrigation system useless and leaving farmers unable to sustain themselves off the land.

Among those affected are the population of Tigray, estimated to be between six and seven million. The region endured a brutal two-year war, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people from the conflict, starvation, and lack of healthcare. Displacement camps were established to provide refuge and humanitarian aid during the war. While some people have been able to return home as the fighting ceased, the majority still remain in the camps, reliant on food aid due to the lack of rainfall and the consequent absence of harvestable crops.

One such camp is situated near Shire, around 280km (174 miles) west of the Korir dam. Set up by UN agencies, the camp provides shelter for over 30,000 people, as seen in satellite imagery displaying blue tents provided by the International Organization of Migration and white tents by the UN refugee agency. The residents of the camp, like Tsibktey Teklay, face immense hardships. She lost her husband in the war and now cares for her five children. Previously, they had animals and harvested crops, but now they have been reduced to relying on aid. Tsibktey yearns to reclaim her land, emphasizing that food grown on their own soil is preferable to food aid. She dreams of returning to their hometown, where her children can work or attend school, hopeful for a better future.

The dire situation has also taken a toll on the healthcare facilities in the region. Doctors at a hospital in Endabaguna, situated around 20km (12 miles) south of Shire, express their growing concerns. Dr Gebrekristos Gidey, the hospital's medical director, reveals a surge in child patients in recent months. Malnourishment led to premature birth for 20-year-old Abeba Yeshalem, who explained that her husband had left to study and was unable to support her financially. Insufficient food for herself and the baby has become a dire reality for Abeba and many others in similar circumstances.

Dr Gebrekristos laments the overwhelming number of children in need of care, expressing the hospital's lack of resources to accommodate them all. Children seeking medical attention originate not only from the displacement camps but also from nearby towns, underscoring the widespread impact of the crisis.

The humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Tigray region demands urgent attention and assistance from the international community. The combination of drought, crop failure, and lingering insecurity following the war has created catastrophic conditions, placing millions of lives at risk. Immediate measures and long-term solutions are imperative to tackle the growing threat of starvation and ensure the provision of essential aid to the affected population.

Note: The information in this article is based on the text provided by the user and may not encompass the entire situation in the Tigray region.