UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 2 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that half of Yemenis could face famine, and urged immediate action to prevent the already dire famine situation from getting worse.

"Without urgent action, up to 14 million people -- fully half the population -- could be at risk in the coming months," the UN chief told reporters.

Noting that "Yemen today stands on a precipice" and its humanitarian situation is "desperate," the secretary-general said that "we must do all we can to prevent the already dire conditions from deteriorating into the worst famine we have seen in decades."

Last week, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock warned the Security Council that Yemen is "closer to famine than ever."

The UN chief called for action steps including immediately ceasing violence, ensuring unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance, supporting Yemeni economy and increasing international funding, to help revert the situation in Yemen.