Severe drought leaves millions of families exposed in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 4 million people in Somalia have been badly exposed to hunger following severe drought in Somalia, a country that is also battling myriad challenges, including but not limited to the Alshabaab menace.

The millions of families are now struggling with getting basic items such as food and water, almost making it practically impossible for them to survive the harsh climate changes and economic times.

Reports indicate that the Galgaduud region of Galmadug state in Central Somalia is one of the most severely affected areas in the country. Local authorities have persistently asked for support from the federal government and international partners.

Estimates by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] also indicate that the number of people facing the crisis may rise to 4.6 million, nearly one-third of the country's population, by May next year.

Somalia, a war-torn country, becomes increasingly vulnerable to crises as it has experienced more than 30 climate-related hazards since 1990, including 12 droughts and 19 floods, whose outcome has always been severe.

The drought comes after opposition candidates accused outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo of diverting attention from serious issues of national importance to his own selfish interests. Somalia is still yet to conclude the electoral exercise.

Last week, FAO asked the international partners to expedite the shipping of food to the affected families, noting that the matter should be treated with urgency. A number of countries have reportedly started to work with local authorities to solve the tragedy.

There are also reports that Alshabaab militants may have started to give food to vulnerable families as a way of enticing them. The militants control large swathes of rural Central and southern Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE