Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya,according to the United Nations (UN).

According to the UN, $76million is immediately needed to widen such efforts across east Africa.

Experts have warned that a quick response to the problem is vital as if it is left unchecked, the number of locusts can grow up to 500 times by June.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Billions of locusts have descended in several parts of Africa.Currently, only five planes are spraying pesticides in the countryto counter the problem.

As per UN reports, the normally bouncing locusts became dozy, slow and diejust hours after the spraying, they lay scattered on the ground, crunching underfoot.

Additional aid will be consequential in providing assistance to combat the problem.

The authorities of the country are trying to restraint the locusts from spreading to neighbouring countries like Uganda and South Sudan.

The locusts had swept into the countryfrom Somalia and Ethiopia after unusually heavy rains in the past few months.

Watch:Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years

It led to the decimation of crops in some areas and it threatened the lives of vulnerable people hit bya hunger crisis.

Parts of Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea were also adversely affected the swarms of locusts.