The United Nations has announced that it confirmed famine conditions in two Sudanese cities. The UN is calling for an end to hostilities between the government army and paramilitary forces, which it says have worsened the humanitarian situation.
A committee consisting of the World Food Programme and other UN agencies released the report on Monday. It says famine conditions have been confirmed in El Fasher in the Darfur region of western Sudan and Kadugli in the south.
"Famine" is defined in the international classification as the severest level of food insecurity. The conditions include at least 20 percent of households facing extreme food shortages, and at least 30 percent of children suffering from acute malnutrition.
The committee forecasts the dire situation to continue until January next year. Officials say more than 21 million people across the country -- nearly half the Sudan population -- are facing severe food insecurity, including famine.
El Fasher has been the site of fierce fighting. Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces declared they had seized the city in late October.
The UN says that the hospital in the city was attacked on October 28, and more than 460 patients and their companions were reportedly killed.

Quiz 1:
In which Sudanese city has the United Nations confirmed famine conditions, according to a report released on Monday?
A. El Fasher in the Darfur region of western Sudan
B. Kadugli in the south
C. Khartoum, the capital
D. Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast

Quiz 2:
What does the international classification define as the severest level of food insecurity?
A. At least 10% of households facing extreme food shortages and at least 20% of children suffering from acute malnutrition
B. At least 15% of households facing extreme food shortages and at least 30% of children suffering from acute malnutrition
C. At least 20% of households facing extreme food shortages and at least 20% of children suffering from acute malnutrition
D. At least 15% of households facing extreme food shortages and at least 35% of children suffering from acute malnutrition

Quiz 3:
Which of the following statements about the situation in Sudan is true, according to the report?
A. More than 21 million people across the country are facing severe food security, but not famine conditions
B. Nearly half the Sudan population is facing extreme food shortages and at least 30% of children are suffering from acute malnutrition
C. The dire situation in Sudan is expected to improve before January next year
D. The hospital in El Fasher was not attacked on October 28, and fewer than 460 patients and their companions were reportedly killed there