A humanitarian group says drought has triggered extreme food shortages in three east African countries, putting millions at risk of famine as the lean dry season approaches.

Pre-famine conditions have already emerged in the area, sparking increased malnutrition, reports of child deaths, and early human and livestock migration.

Early assessments show over a million Ethiopian cattle herders will face serious water, pasture and food shortages during the first half of 2006, with the peak expected to occur between January and March.