The World Food Programme announced today, Tuesday, that it is expected that a quarter of the population of Somalia will face "food insecurity reaching crisis levels or worse" this year due to drought and floods resulting from climate change. The United Nations described the floods that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands in Somalia and neighboring countries in East Africa following the historic drought earlier this year as an event that occurs only once every century.
Petrock Wilton, a spokesman for the World Food Programme in Somalia, stated that "livelihoods and sources of life are at risk, and it is expected that 4.3 million people (a quarter of the population) will face food insecurity at crisis levels or worse by the end of this year." He added, "Climate shocks from drought to floods will extend the hunger crisis in Somalia. The drought has killed millions of livestock and destroyed countless acres of pastures and farmland. Now, these devastating floods are crippling Somalia's ability to recover."
In the town of Dolow on the border with Ethiopia, residents have abandoned their homes and roads have turned into rivers overflowing with water. A shop owner in the town named Farikshan Ali Abdullah stated that they have not received supplies. He added, "There is a severe shortage of goods, fuel, food, and everything else in the city. We will really feel the damage."
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that the floods following heavy rainfall that began in early November have killed at least 32 people and displaced more than 456,800 people in Somalia. Wilton stated, "Ongoing support from the international community will be crucial."
