UN says severe drought devastates thousands of people in Somalia

The United Nations reported thousands of Somalis devastated by severe droughts in the southern part of the country. In a statement, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said severely affected communities live in Kismayo and Afmadow towns and remote areas surrounding the two towns.

According to the United Nations, the communities in the areas lost 80% of livestock due to widespread drought and extreme weather conditions. They also stated that Rainfall in the past 3 days provided some relief, but concerns remain over long-term effects of dry weather in Jubbaland.

A UN report in October said 7.7 million Somali women, men and children are estimated to require humanitarian assistance in 2022 due to the devastating effects of conflict, climate shocks and disease outbreaks.

The Horn of Africa state authorities had announced the widespread drought in the country last month and demanded emergency relief for the residents of the affected areas.