MOGADISHU (SD) – At least three people have died of hunger and hunger in southern as severe drought ravages many parts of the horn of African nation.

The drought also displaced hundreds of pastoralists from their villages as water sources dried up.

In an interview with BBC Somali services, Luuq district commissioner, Ali Kadiye Ahmed said the people died in several villages under Luuq district in Gedo region.

“Three people have died. All these victims died in rural areas. The families living between Garbaharey and Luuq are facing a drought that has severely affected their livelihoods. These families need immediate assistance,” he said.

According to UN, the number of people who need assistance and protection in Somalia is forecast to rise by 30 percent, from 5.9 million to about 7.7 million in 2022.

 Over 70 percent of all Somalis live below the poverty line.

N Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the country, Adam Abdelmoula, said, “a severe storm is brewing in Somalia.”

“Those affected have already endured decades of conflict, climatic shocks and disease outbreaks,” said Abdelmoula, who also acts as Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.

Local communities, the authorities and the UN are ramping up response to address these needs. But critical response sectors like water, sanitation and hygiene are only 20 percent funded.

With one month remaining in the year, the 2021 Somalia Humanitarian Response Plan is only 66 percent funded.

In response, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is allocating $8 million and the Somalia Humanitarian Fund is making a reserve allocation of $6 million.