IDPs in Mogadishu appeal for immediate humanitarian support

A number of shanty huts made old rugs, clothes, and sticks used by the internally displaced person have been washed away torrential rains that pounded last two months have left hundreds of people in a desperate situation.

Living conditions for IDPs in camps in the outskirt of Mogadishu have deteriorated, with food and shelter in short supply.

Zahro Hassan, a mother of seven, who also cares for four orphaned children, said she struggles to get one meal a day for her family.

“The situation is now critical, and without sufficient response from Somali government, the International NGOs and aid agencies, it could develop into a new humanitarian crisis,” said Hassan.

Hassan, a resident of Al-Noor camp, along with 950 other displaced families (5,700 people), said only residents deemed to be malnourished get food provided by a local NGO. “I have one malnourished boy and we all eat what he is given. I know it is wrong but what can I do.”

She said she used to get work in the town but can no longer find any.

Abdi Ali, who lives in a camp said their biggest concern was dwindling food supplies and shelter material. “Everything here is in short supply but food and shelter are our biggest worry.”

“I live in Al-Adaala Camp. In my camp alone, there are 1,000 families. We are short of almost everything – food, shelter and medical help,” Abdi Ali.

He added “We are desperately calling for emergency basic needs including food, water, sanitation because there are lack latrines”