Drought children die eating sand

Tuesday 04 August 1992 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

(First Edition)

LUSAKA (AFP) - Four starving children in one of Zambia's worst drought-hit areas died over the weekend after eating sand for several days while their parents were away searching for food, the official Zambia News Agency (Zana) reported yesterday.

The parents committed suicide after finding their children dead.

According to eyewitness reports, villagers in the southern province of Choma who discovered the tragedy found half-empty bowls of soil mixed with water next to the bodies.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Drought children die eating sand

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering