The District Commissioner of Elwaq district has raised the alarm over a worsening humanitarian crisis in the area, citing severe water shortages and prolonged drought conditions that are threatening the lives and livelihoods of local communities.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Kismayo, the Commissioner revealed that the anticipated seasonal rains have failed to arrive, leading to the drying up of wells and natural water sources. As a result, both residents and their livestock are facing an acute shortage of clean drinking water.
“The situation is dire,” he said. “People are struggling to find even the most basic necessities. Water and food are the most urgent needs right now.”
The Commissioner emphasized that the drought has placed immense pressure on pastoralist communities, whose livestock — a primary source of income and sustenance — are severely affected by the lack of water and pasture.
He issued an urgent appeal to the Jubbaland administration and humanitarian organizations to deliver immediate relief to the affected areas before the crisis escalates further.
“If swift action is not taken, we risk losing lives — both human and animal. This is a region heavily dependent on livestock, and the drought is hitting them the hardest,” he warned.
