Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia
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MOGADISHU — Confronting a devastating drought wave, the Somali Federal Government and State Governments officially declared a “State of Emergency” last week, warning of escalating humanitarian and food risks as the “Gu” (Spring) rainy season approaches, which may not bring sufficient relief.
The country is suffering from an acute drought that has worsened the living conditions of citizens, prompting authorities to call for immediate and comprehensive international action to provide a supportive environment that enhances public health, ensures water availability, and secures food security, alongside working towards sustainable solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Furthermore, the Puntland State warned of a potential drought crisis that could affect nearly one million people, according to statements by Deputy Vice President Elias Osman Lugatoor.
The Scale of Tragedy and Displacement for Survival
The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) confirms that the frightening decline in rainy seasons has altered the lifestyle of herders and livestock owners, and that more than 4 million Somalis are currently facing a food insecurity crisis, dating back to last October.
SoDMA Deputy Chairman, Ahmed Abdi Adam, speaking to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed – the primary source for this report – indicated that about two million children suffer from malnutrition, with 500,000 of them exposed to severe acute malnutrition.
The drought has forced Somali families into involuntary displacement from central and southern regions, including Bay and Bakool, in search of pasture, forage, and water.
Adam warns that the recurrence of drought over the last decade, coupled with the inadequacy of international response, is exacerbating this current humanitarian crisis. He appealed to Arab and Islamic organizations for urgent intervention to combat malnutrition and water scarcity.
The brutality of life is starkly evident in the IDP camps. In the “Naso-Hablood” camp on the outskirts of Hargeisa, nearly a hundred families are enduring difficult humanitarian conditions after losing hundreds of camels and goats. Hamda Ahmed Hassan, a mother of seven, recounts her ordeal to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, confirming that her family sometimes has to let her children go to sleep hungry due to lack of food, or even water and charcoal to cook it. She stresses: “Life here is very harsh.” Hamda and her children walked 60 kilometers to reach the camp, and she now bears the sole responsibility for her family.
The crisis is compounded by the complete lack of essential services. The health situation in the camp is severely deteriorated, with no medical point, health services, or sanitation facilities, making the environment dangerously contaminated. The camp manager, Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed, confirms that families are not receiving any of the basic services necessary for life, after notifying the local authorities without receiving a response so far.
