Fundraising for drought affected people hits 33,000 US dollars for the first day

33,000 US dollars have pooled by Drought Response Committee in  the first day with large number of people donating money for drought affected regions in the country.

Somali Federal ministers including interior minister Abdirhman Odwa and security minister Abdirzaq Omar Mohammed donated each 5000 USD dollars. First lady Madam Qamar Ali Omar donates 20,000 (USD), the largest money donated by an individual for drought so far.

Callers from the regions of the country, the capital Mogadishu and diaspora donated from 1 dollar to 1000. The live program by Goobjoog Radio is designed to collect contributions for drought hit region in the country.

Sheikh Nour Barud Gurhan – a prominent Islamic scholar, who heads the committee that  collects and coordinates  donations for drought hit regions in the country appealed Somali public to contribute whatever they can. ‘ I thank everyone who have contributed today , situation is very difficult for many regions in the country. Iam here to call all Somali people to help each other’ said Sheikh Nour.

Severe water shortage, food and pasture risks the lives of many rural and nomad people in the country according to Somali government and humanitarian organizations.