UN voices alarm over the humanitarian situation in Somalia

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says an estimated 4.3 million people have been affected by the severe drought in many parts of Somalia.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) says the escalating drought has forced some 271,000 people to flee their homes in search of water, food, and pasture.

“With the next rainy season not expected until April 2022, Somalia is on the verge of a catastrophe,” UNOCHA said in its latest response to the drought in Somalia.

She said the United Nations Emergency Relief Fund has allocated $ 25 million for drought relief, and the Somali Humanitarian Fund has provided $ 6 million.

UNOCHA says more funding is urgently needed for the 2022 Somalia Humanitarian Response Plan.

UNOCHA has warned that the drought will intensify as Somalia faces the threat of a fourth consecutive rainy season in early 2022.