The Somali National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) has issued an urgent warning about the worsening drought affecting large parts of Somalia, raising concerns that the crisis may persist as expected rains have yet to arrive.
A briefing presented during a meeting in Mogadishu highlighted the severe impact of the drought, noting that many communities across the country are struggling with extreme water and food shortages. In several areas, residents reportedly have no access to potable water or forage for livestock.
Speaking on the situation, SoDMA Chairman Mohamuud Maalin Abdulle compared the current drought to the devastating “Three and a Half” drought that struck the country several years ago, which resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people. He emphasized that the most affected region is Galmudug, where both humans and livestock face critical shortages of food and water. Nomadic communities that rely on pastoralism are particularly vulnerable.
SoDMA reiterated its alert to the Somali public and international partners, urging increased emergency assistance to save those most affected. The agency called on the international community, Somali diaspora, and local organizations to scale up humanitarian support, including the provision of water, food, and medical aid, to prevent further loss of life.
Officials stressed that immediate action is crucial to mitigate the impact of the drought and protect the country’s most vulnerable populations, particularly in rural and semi-arid areas.