The United Nations says a food crisis in Somalia is rapidly growing due to rising food prices and an ongoing drought in the region.

The U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, Mark Bowden, warned Wednesday that many may die of malnutrition unless something is done to address the problem.

Bowden said food prices in Somalia have soared 270 percent compared to a year ago because of a persistent drought across the Horn of Africa.

He said Somalia has received only about 40 percent of the international aid it has requested.

The head of the U.N. World Food Program said Wednesday the agency is scaling back its programs in Somalia and Ethiopia because of dwindling resources.

Josette Sheeran said 10 million people in the region face severe food shortages.

The United Nations recently said the Horn of Africa is suffering the worst drought in six decades.