Cuba appeals for international drought aid

GENEVA, Aug 26 -- (AFP) -- Cuba has launched an appeal for international aid to cope with an estimated 100 million dollars worth of damage due to drought caused by the weather phenomenon El Nino, the United Nations said Wednesday.

The World Food Program is seeking 20.5 million dollars to provide 34,000 tonnes of food aid to 615,000 Cubans most hit by the drought.

Cuba is also seeking equipment for water supplies, agriculture and fisheries.

The island was hit by drought between May of last year and last February. A mission by several UN agencies visited Cuba last month to assess food needs.