Somalia: Over a dozen die from drought in Somaliland

HARGEISA, Somalia, September 17, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Malnutrition and food shortages claimed at killed thirteen, mainly children and elderly people in breakaway Somaliland region, NGOs unveiled on Thursday.

More than 40,000 households are also severely food insecure due to erratic Gu’ rainy seasons in two consecutive years, 2014 and 2015.

Awdal, Maroodijeeh and Gabiley are the worst-hit regions by the drought, with malnutrition standing at the highest peak among infants, small children, the elderly, sick and other vulnerable groups.

François Batalingaya, World Vision Country Director stressed that agencies need to take note of the warning and address the urgent needs of the affected people in Somaliland.

“As NGOs we need to work together with our donors to build communities’ resilience so that they can withstand the drought,” said Batalingaya.

The death may rise if no immediate assistance is provided.

Drought Response Committee appointed by Somaliland government said that an estimated 35 to 40 pc of livestock perished from water shortage and rapidly drying pasture in a rapid assessment report conducted in collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Humanitarian Coordination Office.

Given the fear of further humanitarian crisis, agencies indicated that the current assistance doesn’t meet the needs, and appealed for support.

“This is especially important for the thousands of women, children and vulnerable groups that are bearing the brunt of the drought,” noted Hassan Noor, Save the Children Somalia Country Director.

Somaliland Government in northwestern Somalia has already aided 3200 households with USD 150,000. 

GAROWE ONLINE