The United Nations has warned at least three million Afghans are in urgent need of food and could face famine if they do not get help.

Talking to reporters in Kabul, UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan Toby Lanzer said the figure is among the highest in the world and required the most urgent response.    

He said a dry spell mainly across northern and western Afghanistan has devastated crops, livestock and water supplies, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

UN humanitarian coordinator said the United Nations is spearheading international efforts to reach 2.5 million of the three million most in need of food by mid-December.