Nearly 100,000 Vietnam People Suffer Hunger in July: GSO

The number of people suffering hunger in Vietnam in July hit an estimated 100,000, nearly five times higher than that in the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). A sharp rise in the number of hungry people was attributable to severe droughts in the northern mountainous region, Central Highlands and central provinces, GSO said in its latest edition. During the first half this year, the number of people left hungry reaches approximately 971,300, jumping 25.2% on year. In an effort to ease the situation, state agencies and organizations allocated 15,400 tons of rice and VND590 million ($26,500) in relief to the drought-hit regions year to date. (GSO July Edition, VnEconomy.vn July 28)