NY (SD) The United Nations has announced the release of $5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

This funding is intended to support Somalia, specifically for early actions to prevent the impending drought in the country, confirmed by Joyce Msuya, the Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator of the UN.

Somalia faces a high risk of drought due to La Niña, with a 70% reduction in the expected rainfall.

This situation particularly threatens rural communities in central and southern Somalia, as well as Puntland.

The impact of the drought is expected to endanger food security for people in these regions, according to the UN.

The new $5 million aid is planned to benefit more than 130,000 people, focusing on safety, food, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

This funding is an addition to the previous $5 million allocated for drought prevention from the humanitarian aid fund for Somalia.

This aid comes as the COP29 climate conference is ongoing in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Somalia is participating, hoping to secure additional funding to support efforts in addressing the escalating impacts of climate change.