A deadly famine threatens at least 4 million Somalis after a severe drought recently hit this country. Millions of families in are facing great difficulties in meeting their needs for food and drinking water.
The reports of the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization indicate that the number of Somali citizens threatened by this crisis may increase by next May from 4 million to 4.6 million in the country, which has a total population of about 16.4 million.
However, the United Nations has warned of a rise in hunger in 23 hot spots in the world in the next three months, including the Tigray region in Ethiopia, southern Madagascar, Yemen, southern Sudan, northern Nigeria and Somalia.
The international agencies put Ethiopia at the top of the list, saying that the number of people facing starvation and death is expected to rise to 401,000 people – the highest number since the 2011 famine in Somalia – if humanitarian aid is not provided quickly.
Natural water sources are drying up, pushing up the cost of potable water. Last October, the price of a 200-litre water drum increased by 45 per cent in Gaalkacyo, Mudug Region, by 70 per cent in Jilib, Middle at Juba Region, and by 172 per cent in Garowe, Nugaal Region.
By 2022, the combination of climate-fueled drought, ongoing conflict, locusts, and COVID-19 will leave 7.7 million Somalis in need of humanitarian assistance. This is a 30% increase since 2021.
With more than half of its population suffering from malnutrition and hunger, Somalia already ranks highest in the world Global Hunger Index.
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