Locusts destroying crops in Russia

MOSCOW, June 12 (UPI) -- Locust swarms are devouring crops in the Astrakhan region in Russia, causing officials to declare a state of emergency for the area.

The locusts have already affected about 19,768 acres or cropland, RIA Novosti reported. The Astrakhan region's Emergencies Ministry declared the state of emergency Sunday.

The agency is seeking to tackle the locust problem through pesticides, with 654 acres treated so far, the Russian news agency said.

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