British aid groups raise new famine warning for violence-hit South Sudan

KAMPALA, Uganda –  A coalition of British aid groups warns that parts of South Sudan may slip into famine by August if more aid is not delivered and fighting continues.

The Disasters Emergency Committee said Thursday that member agencies have less than half the money needed to prevent South Sudan's food crisis from getting worse.

Aid groups have issued many warnings of a looming famine in South Sudan, which was plunged into violence in December when the president accused his deputy of attempting a coup.

More than 1.3 million people fled their homes during the critical planting season, leaving them now heavily dependent on charity.

The U.N. children's agency UNICEF warned in April that nearly 250,000 children in South Sudan will suffer severe acute malnutrition this year if more action is not taken.