The United Nations humanitarian agency has called for more funding to help drought-affected people in Somalia.
According to the latest drought report, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has released $ 8 million for the United Nations Emergency Relief Fund, while the Somali Humanitarian Fund has allocated $ 6 million to deal with the most difficult situations in the horn of Africa nation.
She said a rapid assessment is underway to identify the most vulnerable and needs in the most affected areas, adding that humanitarian partners, the administration and the local community are stepping up relief efforts.
“Without increased humanitarian assistance, an estimated 3.8 million Somalis are facing severe food insecurity since January, an increase of 4.6 million in May,” UNOCHA said.
Somalia is experiencing a worsening drought situation after three consecutive rainy seasons and is at risk of a fourth consecutive poor rainy season in 2021, according to the United Nations.
She said the deteriorating situation has led to increased deaths and livestock shortages for drought-affected people in need of urgent assistance, and said Somalia is projected to rise by 30 percent from its current level. 5.9 million and will reach 7.7 million by 2022.
BY OSMAN HUSSEIN ALI
