Islamic Relief has launched an urgent humanitarian appeal to help people pushed to the brink by a protracted drought in Somalia.
Some 4.5 million people in the most severely affected areas now need critical lifesaving aid.
Seasonal Gu rains haven’t produced the rainfall the country hoped for, and now crops have failed and livestock is in decline. It is the second consecutive below average rainy season.
Vulnerable communities that were already struggling in the aftermath of the prolonged drought of 2016-17 are now being pushed to the brink in this latest disaster.
Drought-related diseases and malnutrition are already on the rise, especially in children.
Islamic Relief has been working in Somalia since 2006, delivering lifesaving and life-changing humanitarian and development projects.
“We are already on the ground helping those in some of the hardest hit areas, including Banadir, Middle Shabelle, Awdal, Sool and Nugaal. Our efforts include lifesaving cash transfers and trucking in water to drought-stricken communities. We are also providing families uprooted from their homes by water shortages with essential items such as dignity kits, mosquito nets, sleeping mats and jerrycans.”
The recurrent droughts have undermined households’ resilience and social support networks have become overstretched, increasing their vulnerability. Without an urgent response, the impact of the current drought will be severe.
It is thought that if humanitarian aid is not scaled up, by July some 2.2 million people will be in crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity.
Conditions are rapidly deteriorating and much more is needed – especially in northern and central Somalia, which are the hardest hit by this latest disaster.
Original source: Islamic Relief
Published on 24 May 2019
