The drought that happens due to low rainfalls in 2020 and 2021 continues in Somalia. On 23 November the country declared a “state of emergency” and appealed for international aid. Millions of Somalis are facing great difficulties in accessing drinking water and food.

They need emergency aid

The recent UN report states that more than 2.8 million people in 66 of the 74 regions in Somalia are affected by the drought and need emergency aid, while more than 110.000 people were forced to migrate from their villages to the cities. The report also states that 1.2 million children under the age of 5 are facing the threat of acute malnutrition, and estimates that in 2022, 7.7 million Somalis will need humanitarian aid.

16 people died due to the drought

Deputy Governor of Mudug, Ahmad Mohamad Share explained that because of the drought almost 90% of the population have difficulty in accessing water and 3.5 million people have difficulty in accessing food.

In his statement, 16 people, including children have died due to drought-related causes. At least 10 people died last month alone.

Farmers lost 80% of their livestock

People living in the state of Jubaland in the south, and particularly in Kismanyo and Afmadow have been severely affected by the drought; farmers in the region have lost 80% of their livestock due to the drought and severe weather conditions.

An aid campaign was launched

IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation has taken action to deliver aid to the country. IHH teams have begun to distribute water in the Gego region, one of the regions most affected by the drought. Now the teams are making their preparations to distribute water and food to other regions of Somalia.

The water wells have dried up in many regions, and there is a desperate need for healthcare services, food and water in the country.

 Since 1990, more than 30 disasters including floods and droughts have struck Somalia. In 2011, almost 260.000 people lost their lives because of the drought and food crisis in the country.