IDPs face dire conditions in Mikhori village as hunger and water shortage bites

Conditions for 300 of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mikhori of Galgaduud region  continue to worsen daily, with hunger, disease and lack of shelter taking toll on an already vulnerable population, local official said.

Mikhori chief, Hassan Makari Hassan said 300 newly displaced families fled clan clashes who arrived the areas are in dire condition.

“They have so many problems, including hunger, and many of them are without shelter as the [polythene] coverings are now worn out. they live in the open where their children just wander around as they do not go to school,”  said Hassan, adding “These families, existing mostly of women and children, have lost everything. They arrived in groups, entirely exhausted, with many children coughing, and suffering from diarrhoea.  the camp population provided them with some food.”.

Access to clean drinking water in areas where the displaced have gone “is a nightmare, particularly in Baladweyne where there is dire need for water provision after river Shabelle that was only source supply dried up.

“Young girls and women travel long distances to fetch water… This is sometimes dangerous for them, especially when they are unaccompanied,” he said.

The chief called the aid agencies to immediately intervene and save the lives of the IDPs.