HARGEISA(SomalilandPress)–Somaliland government today (Sept/12/2011) shed a Light on some 200.000 Somaliland families affected by drought. This due to a recent severe drought which has affected the entire East Africa region and Said to be the worst in 60 years.
A report by independent Committee on human rights appointed by the government reveals that close to 35% of Somaliland population are being severely affected by the drought and are indeed for instantaneous assistance. The report, presented at the National Environment Research and Disaster-preparedness popularly known as (NERAD) headquarter in Hargeisa, Somaliland was participated by Somaliland’s Vice-President, high ranking government officials, the UN as well as local and other concerned international organizations.
The crisis caused by drought in East Africa has reached catastrophic proportions the committee’s one month assessment report highlights and hence effecting nearly one million individuals which 75,000 of them are in critical state and must be aided without more ado.
The report also emphasizes the shortage of food added with risen prices; most people cannot afford to buy whatever food available. The Vice-President speaking at the meeting said “from this report, we have come to learn that entire communities have literally collapsed, livelihoods are already damaged beyond repair and children and families are severely affected by malnutrition and must be provided as soon as possible.”
The Vice-President continued by saying, “We as a government will do everything and anything possible we can to assist those affected and we would also genuinely appreciate the support of your esteemed international organizations.”
Somaliland’s minister of planning, also participant of the meeting, agreed with H.E. the Vice-president’s proposition and said “we must act with utmost urgency to bring an end to this disastrous situation.
Below is a list from the report on drought affected regions and their priorities in response to the humanitarian crisis in Somaliland.
I. Sool-Region 42,000 Persons
II. Sanaag-Region 38,000 Persons
III. Togdheer-Region 30,500 Persons
IV. Saahil-Region 20,500 Persons
V. Marodi Jeeh-Region 39,000 Persons
VI. Awdal-Region 30,000 Persons
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