Somali president calls for aid as drought hits northern regions of the country

The Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued an urgent appeal for international aid as drought-stricken country faces a famine that has left half of the population in dire need.
“The situation is very severe. The conditions are very harsh,” said president Mohamud.
He added “Drought and water shortages have hit many places of the country, the situation may be calmed if these areas get rain in April but before then the situation should be considered urgently and extend aid to the drought affected areas.”
Acute water crisis has hit some villages in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions following a drought that has shrunk pasture and water resources in the region.
Pastoralist families are facing a serious shortage of water and pastures after several water points dried up the last few months as a result of dry spell that has hit in the breakaway Somaliland and Puntland state.
Thousands of Somalis have fled the countryside in search of food and water, trekking for days under scorching sun toward camps in major towns.