Saturday August 20, 2022
Somalia is going through a two-year historic dry spell, the likes of which have not been seen in more than 40 years. /CFP
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, on Wednesday appealed for aid to go towards people affected by drought in the country.
Barre issued a televised appeal, calling on both local and international individuals and organizations to held the country protect those affected by the devastating drought, which the United Nations said last week has reached unprecedented levels.
"I want to inform the Somalia people, wherever they may be, both inside and outside the country, that our children, parents and most vulnerable citizens are battling the effects of the current drought, which has taken a toll on their lives and livelihoods," The Prime Minister said.
"Approximately a million Somalis have been displaced in various regions of the country due to lack of water and food."
According to UN data, more than 755,000 people have been internally displaced in Somalia because of the severe dry spell this year, bringing the total figure to one million since January when the drought began.
The Horn of African country is going through a two-year historic dry spell, the likes of which have not been seen in more than 40 years.
The UN warned that an expected fifth failed rainy season is bound to displace many more families, as famine looms on the horizon.
"I would also like to appeal to the international community, the donors, the humanitarian organizations and the international community as a whole, wherever they may be, to provide aid to the Somali people and to prevent famine before it is too late," said Barre.