An increasingly extreme drought is hitting Somalia and already affects 4.61 million people due to the shortage of water and food.
The crisis is advancing strongly and worsening an environmental and humanitarian emergency.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that conditions are intensifying across the country. The lack of rain and heat reduce the available water resources.
Due to this, the Somali government declared a national emergency at the end of November. However, the situation worsens day by day due to crop loss, livestock death, and increased internal displacement.
The shortage of surface and underground water has put 171 wells out of service. This impact disrupts agricultural and livestock production in several regions.
Extreme drought in Somalia and water crisis
The prolonged and extreme drought in Somalia causes a widespread water shortage. According to OCHA, the phenomenon is already causing severe losses in essential livelihoods.
The organization notes that without urgent assistance, the convergence of drought, displacement, and disease outbreaks could further deteriorate food security.
The agency warns of increasing risks to nutrition, health, and the protection of millions. The crisis could expand geographically in the coming months.
Humanitarian partners are providing food, water, and health assistance. However, the response is limited by the lack of funds and available resources.
OCHA estimates that 852 million dollars are needed to assist 2.4 million people. But the actual number of those in need rises to 4.8 million, leaving critical gaps.
Displacements and failed rainy seasons
The number of people displaced by the drought is increasing extremely in Somalia. OCHA raises the figure to 490,730, well above previous records.
Between September and December, 120,000 displacements were recorded due to the extreme drought in Somalia. Now, the increase reflects the rapid worsening of environmental conditions.
The absence of rain between July and September affects the north of the country. Meanwhile, the lack of precipitation between October and December extends to the entire territory.
The northern regions suffer a fourth consecutive failed rainy season, as precipitation levels were once again 60% below average.
OCHA highlights that these are the driest conditions recorded since 1981. This data reinforces the climatic dimension of the event.
Extreme heat and risks to public health
The dry season, which extends from January to March, intensifies the crisis. Current conditions are described as extreme drought.
The heat reaches between 35 and 40°C, accelerating water loss. Grasslands dry up, and wells deplete rapidly.
The increasingly extreme drought in Somalia raises the cost of water and exacerbates health risks. Public health faces new threats.
The main current impacts include:
- Widespread shortage of drinking water
- Loss of crops and livestock
- Increase in internal displacements
- Wells out of service in several regions
- Higher risk of diseases and malnutrition
OCHA insists that assistance must be urgently expanded. Without sufficient resources, the humanitarian crisis may deepen over the coming months.
The extreme drought in Somalia is consolidating as one of the most severe environmental emergencies of the moment, with direct consequences for millions of people.
