Drought hits 2.4m Somalis

Somalia is suffering the effects of its worst drought in 36 years, with most areas of the country having received little rain for at least nine months.

 

Concern Worldwide 

With most areas of Somalia having received little rain for at least nine months, due to the La Niña phenomenon,the country is suffering the effects of its worst drought in 36 years. 

"Pastures are being depleted and animals are dying in their thousands," explains Sarah Robinson, Programme Adviser for Concern in Somalia.

"Already 2.4 million people have been drastically affected.  Many are dependent on their livestock for survival. Without them, they are left with nothing."

Children are being particularly affected by the lack of food and water; in some areas malnutrition is affecting over 30 percent of children, one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world. 

People in Somalia are no strangers to harsh conditions and since the 1990s have suffered the effects of civil war and successive droughts. Atpresent there are 1.46 million internally displaced people in Somalia, and over 650,000 Somali refugees in neighboring countries.

In addition to this adversity, the price of basic goods is rising and the cost of cereals has increased by up to 135% since last year.  "A trio of drought, conflict and increased prices is pushing Somalia towards a severe humanitarian crisis." states Ms Robinson.

Concern has decades of experience in Somalia and strong links with local communities.  "We are responding to this crisis, and reaching 100,000 of the most vulnerable people with clean water, food and nutritional care, but more needs to be done and greater funding is required if this disaster is to be managed," says Ms Robinson.

"It's not only Somalia that is badly affected," she adds.  "There are over 3 million affected by the drought, and in need of relief in Ethiopia too, whilst 2 million people in Kenya are facing critical conditions. "60,000 livestock in one area alone along the Kenyan-Ethiopian border have died in recent weeks." Concern is also responding to the crisis in Kenya and Ethiopia with similar programmes of water, nutrition and livestock protection.

 "As the drought intensifies enormous strain will be put on the people in The Horn of Africa. It's imperative that the international community act now to protect livelihoods and prevent the loss of life."

ENDS