Severe and growing humanitarian needs across Somalia — UN relief wing

An unprecedented drought has resulted in severe and growing humanitarian needs across Somalia, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said.

In a humanitarian bulletin released Wednesday, the UN relief wing said that food security needs are nearly double the five-year average amid limited rains, increased displacement and continuing conflict.

Across the country, some 6.2 million people are in need of aid and protection, and more than half that number require urgent life-saving assistance.

Furthermore, with poor rains forecasted for the upcoming two main crop seasons and fears of drought in early-mid 2018, "life-saving assistance will remain an urgent priority", added the UN.

At the same time, it is vital to address the underlying causes to recurring humanitarian crises.

Development and humanitarian partners are, therefore, pursuing more sustainable mid- to long-term investment to build resilience, and reduce risk and vulnerability, said OCHA.

UN Radio/GBCONLINE
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