MOGADISHU- Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Al Dhafra Regional Commissioner, and Chairman of the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Society (ERC), have ordered the intensification of relief efforts for drought-affected Somali civilians.

The move follows contacts with the Red Crescent delegation currently in Somalia to carry out humanitarian programs in drought-stricken regions.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan was briefed by the head of the Red Crescent, Mohamed Khamis Al Kaabi, on the humanitarian situation in Somalia as a whole and the details of their relief program in the country.

“The UAE will make an effort to meet Somalia’s humanitarian needs and develop essential services in all areas of assistance,” said Zayed Al Nahyan.

Somalia is currently experiencing its worst drought in a decade. The year 2011, was recorded as the worst year for Somalia, with hundreds of people dying of hunger and dehydration.