IOM appeals for $24.6 million for drought hit Somalia

United Nations migration agency has launched an appeal of $24.6 to meet the emergency needs of over a million Somalis affected by drought,

In a statement Friday, International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that the situation has started to look increasingly similar to the 2011 famine in Somalia, in which over a quarter of one million people died.

IOM was quoted as saying that an increasing number of Somalis were being forced to relocate in search of food and water.

“Without assistance, many will face malnutrition, as well as increased risk of disease and even death, ” said Dujarric, citing IOM.

With 166 member states, a further eight states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

“We named this (2017) drought ‘Odi Kawayn,’ which is Somali for ‘something bigger than the elders,’” said drought victim Halima, explaining that none of the elders has ever seen a drought as severe as this one.

President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo has acknowledged the devastation of the drought and urged all stakeholders to “respond more effectively” to the famine threat.

Humanitarian agencies estimate that there are 6.2 million drought-affected Somalis in need of assistance, including food, water and sanitation, health and nutrition, protection and shelter.