The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has declared locust invasion an emergency situation, adding that "it could cause acute food shortages".

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The Somalia government has now called for "urgent measures" to curb the escalating situation, which threatens to erode vegetation in the Horn of Africa nation.

Since October last year, locusts have invaded several parts of the country, almost causing a humanitarian crisis, local media reported.

The invasion was preceded by raging floods, which killed dozens of people besides displacing thousands, authorities said.

In a statement on Saturday, FGS said 'it is concerned about the risks desert locusts pose to the ’cropping season which starts in April.”

Virtually, all five states and Somaliland have been dearly affected. They include Puntland, Jubaland, Galmadug, Hirshebelle and South-West.

“It is vital to contain the pests with a rapid scale-up in control operations while protecting and supporting the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists," read the statement.

By declaring the invasion a national emergency, Somalia is not hoping to get relief from the international partners, analysts say.

Said Hussein, the country's Agriculture minister insisted that Somalia is committed to protecting citizens through "all available means".

“Given the severity of the locust outbreak, we must commit our best efforts to protect the food security and livelihoods of Somali people," he noted.

Hussein added: "If we don’t act now, we risk severe food crisis that we cannot afford by any means."

Mogadishu, he added, had put in place measures to curb the escalating situation through data collection, timely reporting among others.

At least 70,000 hectares of land has been severely destroyed by the locusts across the country, which is a desert by landmass, Reuters said.