WFP warns that an estimated 6 million Somalis could be staring at famine

GOOBJOOG NEWS/NAIROBI: The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced that an estimated 6 million Somalis (40 percent of the population) are facing acute food insecurity.

The organization issued this warning amid projections that the country could be staring at the risk of real famine in the coming months if the rains fail and humanitarian assistance isn’t received. 

WFP said the severe drought situation in Somalia can only be alleviated if the rains come, therefore calling on aid agencies to step in and provide much-needed support to the Somali people before the situation deteriorates further.

“Time is fast running out for families who are struggling to survive in Somalia, where there is the risk of famine”, read a statement from WFP. 

WFP added that the price of food in Somalia has seen a steep rise, with the cost of a food basket going up by 36% as the country depends heavily on wheat from Black Sea basin countries, where the disruption in imports caused by shipping costs has further threatened food security.