Shoreline based World Concern responds to famine in Somalia

Somalia map from Geology.com

By Derek T. Sciba

A famine has hit a large section of Somalia, with severe drought conditions throughout the Horn of Africa.

At least 500,000 children are at risk of death in the region, according to UNICEF. This has been one of the driest years in decades. Families have no more crops, their animals are dying, and now these desperate people are in search of food and water to simply survive.

Shoreline-based World Concern’s response includes assistance with water, emergency food and survival supplies in Southern Somalia, an area which was until recently inaccessible due to a high security risk. Our response also extends to Northern Somalia and Kenya, with the primary goal of delivering water to families.

This is the worst drought the region has seen in more than 60 years. An estimated 10 million people are affected in Northeastern Kenya, Somalia and Eastern Ethiopia. This is the first official famine in the region since 1984-85, when one million people died in Ethiopia and Sudan.

Africa map from Geology.com

Christian humanitarian organization World Concern has worked in the region for many years, developing communities by establishing clean water sources, schools, providing agricultural assistance and more. But several consecutive seasons of failed rains, combined with skyrocketing food prices, conflict, and limited humanitarian access, have added to the crisis.

The forecast is bleak. August is expected to be dry. About 1,300 people cross the border from Somalia into Kenya every day, landing in ill-equipped, over-crowded refugee camps. The largest camp is home to nearly 400,000 people. The UN estimates between 40% and 50% of Somali refugee children are acutely malnourished.

To learn more or donate, visit the World Concern website or call 866-530-LIFE (5433).  World Concern is a ministry of CRISTA.