Droughts caused by climate change affect countries around the world. However, in those countries that are less developed and more vulnerable, it affects them in a more destructive way.
In Somalia, some 196 people have died from drought so far this year due to lack of water. The UN Office for Humanitarian Coordination (OCHA) has warned of how severe the drought is and the authorities have been forced to declare the status of "national disaster."
The severe drought hitting Somalia
The situation in Somalia is alarming. The drought has led to a significant increase in water prices, making this essential resource an increasingly scarce commodity. Communities have been forced to resort to dangerous water sources, where the water is not drinkable or left untreated. This dramatically increases the risk of contracting diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, problems that already affect a significant number of people.
With 196 people dead in eleven regions of the country and more than 7,900 people affected by the cholera outbreak, The alarm bells have gone off. Authorities have declared a national state of disaster in an attempt to manage this humanitarian crisis, a situation that reflects what is happening in the drought in Somalia 2023This crisis adds to the drought in Kenya, which has also declared a natural disaster.
Water shortages and increased disease
According to Somali authorities, the situation is worsening every day. One of the biggest challenges they face is the restriction of access to humanitarian aid, which is hampered by the presence of the Somali terrorist group Al-Shabab, which controls large areas of the south and center of the country. This group has greatly complicated the delivery of aid to the most affected communities, leaving many families in desperate need.
It is estimated that about 3 million Somalis will be in a situation of food emergency, a situation that does not seem to improve. According to the UN, the intense drought recorded in recent months has reduced 70% food production in some areas of the region, which is similar to what is reported in other areas of the Horn of AfricaThis leads to rising prices and a potential famine that threatens the health of the entire population, especially the most vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
This food crisis has led to an increase in internal migration, with many families forced to leave their homes in search of better living conditions. However, this displacement also comes with risks, as refugees face inhumane conditions in temporary displacement camps, where the lack of resources and medical care adequate is alarming. This situation is similar to that faced by many other countries affected by drought. You may also be interested in learning how Climate change interferes with the movement of people.
Impact on children and the future of Somalia
More than 1.4 million children In Somalia, nearly half of the country's population under five is estimated to be suffering from acute malnutrition due to the current drought. This alarming figure reflects the severity of the situation and jeopardizes the future of an entire country, where children should be protected and adequately nourished. Humanitarian organizations face a monumental challenge due to the food crisis in Somalia.
The impact on pastoralist communities is particularly worrying. Families who have been displaced to urban centers in search of water and food are joining the 2.9 million people who were already displaced by conflict and climate change. Such migration is not only a response to the food emergency, but can also create tensions in host communities, who are already struggling to survive. The alarming numbers of children affected by the drought in Mauritania reflect a similar picture in the region.
Humanitarian organizations, such as UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders, are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of this crisis. They are making a urgent call to the international community for humanitarian assistance to be expanded, as every day that passes without the necessary aid means more lives lost and more suffering for a population already on the brink of collapse.
Forced displacement and the struggle for resources
As mentioned, forced displacement due to drought has led a growing number of people to seek refuge. In many areas, displaced communities are grouped together in makeshift camps, where the lack of basic services, such as clean water and medical care, is overwhelming. This situation has increased the vulnerability of the neediest families, who are forced to rebuild their lives from scratch.
As the drought continues, clashes over scarce resources intensify. In this context, the armed conflict continues to be a complicating factor. Al-Shabab's influence in certain areas has led to increased insecurity and hampered the work of humanitarian organizations, which are striving to provide assistance to those most in need. To better understand the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the fighting drought in other countries, it is essential to review the information on the topic.
With climate change as a backdrop, extreme events such as droughts and floods are set to become the new normal in the region. This presents a monumental challenge for local communities, especially those that depend on the Agriculture and livestock as a means of subsistence.
While efforts to improve resilience to climate change are critical, it is equally critical that attention be directed to the immediate consequences of drought, addressing both the food safety such as access to clean water. International organizations must work in collaboration with the Somali government to implement sustainable solutions that not only address the current crisis but also strengthen communities' capacities to face future climate challenges. The recent alert about climate disaster underlines the urgency of these actions.
Promoting education and providing tools for sustainable agricultural development must be an integral part of any strategy to combat the adverse effects of droughts and promote the well-being of the population at large. As mentioned in other articles, farmers need more technologies to adapt to these crises, as detailed in the article by climate change and agriculture.
It is imperative that the international community not let its guard down in the face of the crisis facing Somalia. Multilateral organizations and governments of wealthier countries have a responsibility to support nations like Somalia, which are disproportionately affected by climate change despite having contributed little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Resource mobilization, along with the development of stronger global climate policies, will be essential to help combat drought in Somalia. The creation of a international fund For climate recovery and adaptation, this can be one of the necessary tools to provide the assistance that the Somali population urgently needs. This will not only help them overcome the current crisis but also allow them to plan for a safer and more sustainable future, thus preventing similar situations from recurring in the future.
Examples of successful programs in other regions should be studied and implemented, adapting them to local realities. This includes the use of sustainable technologies and agricultural practices that minimize water use and maximize crop production. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that equitable access to resources and humanitarian aid is promoted, thus preventing some communities from being left behind while others receive assistance.
In light of the climate crisis and the humanitarian emergency in the Horn of Africa, support for Somalia must not only be ad hoc, but also continuous and committed. Only through international collaboration and solidarity can a more hopeful and sustainable future be guaranteed for this country facing monumental challenges.
Combating drought is a task that requires the cooperation of multiple actors, including governments, NGOs, and the international community at large. Adaptation and resilience strategies must be fostered, as well as ensuring access to essential resources such as water and food. The responsibility to act falls not only on political leaders, but also on each of us as global citizens.
The drought crisis in Somalia, caused by climate change and instability, requires urgent and immediate attention to prevent a major humanitarian catastrophe.
