Puntland calls for state of emergency over drought

Puntland in need of urgent humanitarian support for drought affecting the people ( Photo courtesy)

Puntland state declared a state of emergency on Tuesday. The Somalia’s self-governed state is appealing for food and water due to severe drought.

The United Nations said children were facing malnutrition as a result  of the drought that has hit most parts of Somalia.

According to Puntland’s government, over 34,000 households across the region are affected by the drought. This is due to failure of succesive rainy seasons in the region.

A government statement has said that, “The state has launched a humanitarian appeal that will guarantee water, food and other resources.’’

It also said that the area was unlikely to receive any rain in the next five months and the drought was affecting 70 percent of the people in the region.

This crisis is worsened by Al Shabaab, a armed group who want to over throw the government of Somalia which is backed by the African Union forces.

This armed group however does not constantly attack Puntland as the security forces there are well trained and regularly receive financial assistance from the United States of America.