in desperate need

• urgentNeeding immediate attention
• desperateDriven by urgent need
• direExtremely serious or urgent
• criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
• starvingSuffering extreme hunger

craving · aching · yearning · pleading · begging · frantic · helpless · stranded · drowning · gasping · hungry · thirsty · broke · destitute · SOS · lifeline · rescue · crisis