Thousands of locusts infest half of Madagascar and could kill 2/3 of the entire nation . Some 77 % of its residents live on less than $ 1.25 per day , according to UNICEF official Natascha Paddison . Without action , the flying insects could plague the country for many years , a U.N. official says . ` ` You turn around , there are locusts everywhere , '' he says , noting swarms stretch for miles . Locusts devour crops and livestock , which could devastate Madagascar 's poor .
Thousands of locusts infest half of Madagascar and could kill 2/3 of the entire nation . Without action , the flying insects could plague the country for many years , a U.N. official says . ` ` You turn around , there are locusts everywhere , '' he says , noting swarms stretch for miles . Locusts devour crops and livestock , which could devastate Madagascar 's poor .