The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that the already difficult humanitarian situation in Somalia could be exacerbated by a new drought. At least 80 percent of Somalia is facing drought conditions, according to the statement.

More than 3.4 million people could be affected

April October 2020-April 2021 due to drought in Somalia, approximately 116,500 people were forced to emigrate within the country. At least 3.4 million people could be affected by drought conditions. 380 thousand of these people are expected to be displaced.

In some parts of the country, rainfall is below average, although Gu rains have begun.

Access to clean water will become difficult

Water shortages will make access to clean water difficult. The cost of water in some areas will rise by 60 percent. All of this will force unprotected people to travel long distances to access clean water. Throughout Somalia, problems in hygiene practices and diseases in animals increased, grasslands were depleted. Because of these troubles, the shepherds forced their animals to feed with their hands with Native-produced grains. This, in turn, will lead to a 30 percent increase in grain prices.

Places hardest hit by drought

Somalia's Autonomous Region Somaliland, Puntland province, central regions and Gedo region are the worst affected by the drought. The statement warned that drought conditions would be the main cause of migration and infectious diseases unless mitigating support was urgently provided.