Food and water shortage ravage Somalia - 400.000 lives at stake

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By Miriam Mannak

According to Somalian authorities, the drought in its Puntland region has become so severe that almost half a million lives are in direct danger.

These reports have been confirmed by the United Nations (UN), which has said that both humans and livestock are struggling with severe water shortage. About 400.000 people are in accute danger.

The shortages force people to walk over 20km to fetch the precious liquid, while others are desperate to sell what ever they have to buy water. 

According to UNICEF, most of Somalia faces water problems. Last week, during World Water Day, the organisation said that only 29 percent of the population having access to clean and safe drinking water.

In a statement, UNICEF's Somalia Representative, Christian Balslev-Olesen said, "The international community and Somalis need to ensure peace and stability in the country to
enable the provision of adequate supplies of clean water for children and women."

Apart from lack of water, people living in Somalia's Puntland region is subjected to food shortages. Therefore, the World Food programme, UNICEF and other organisations have started to plan a food distribution.

Somalia has been a troubled country for many years. Often being called a failed State, the African nation is ran by war lords which have subjected the people to violence, war, and bloodshed. As a result hundreds of thousands of Somalis have fled their country. A great number have ended up in industrialised countries, while others ended up in one of the many refugee camps in the region. 

One of the largest camps - Dadaab camp - is situated in Kenya, and is 'home' to 300.000 Somalis - three times the maximum capacity.

The situation here is dire too. According to the organisation Oxfam International, has said that "unless urgent steps are taken, at least 250,000 Somali refugees in Kenya's Dadaab camp will face humanitarian crisis."

After assessing the camp, Oxfam said the people face a health crisis which is caused by lack of basic services, severe overcrowding and a chronic lack of funding.