Somalia’s famine is averted, the situation remains tormented

• Somalia just avoided famine.
• UN calls the situation “catastrophic.”
• 8 million people face unprecedented need.

Somalia just avoided famine, but the UN calls the situation “catastrophic.”

Several sections of the country are in danger of famine due to extreme food insecurity, according to a report released Tuesday.

After five unsuccessful wet seasons and “exceptionally high” food prices, 8 million people face “unprecedented need,” according to the report.

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for UN humanitarian agency OCHA, told reporters Tuesday that the assessment “does not lead to a declaration of famine at this stage”

But, he said, “it doesn’t mean people aren’t experiencing food shortages.”

Nobody knows how long they’ve held famine at bay.

“The crisis hasn’t improved.”

The research showed rising numbers of people at the highest level of the UN’s five-scale food insecurity categorization, IPC, meaning they have dangerously little access to food and could starve.

A famine is proclaimed when enough of a population is at IPC level 5.

As drought, war, and displacement continue to threaten lives and livelihoods, the number of people at IPC5 in Somalia is anticipated to triple by June.

8.3 million individuals are predicted to be at crisis level (IPC3) or higher by April-June 2019, up from 5.6 million currently. 2.7 million will be at IPC level 4, with food shortages, acute malnutrition, and excess mortality.

Laerke cautioned, “It can’t get worse.”

He urged governments to “assist humanitarian organizations continue life-saving operations” in Somalia.

Food security specialists have warned of starvation in parts of Somalia if international aid isn’t increased.

Humanitarian workers claim the Ukraine war has diverted resources.

Five consecutive failed rainy seasons have wiped off cattle and crops in the Horn of Africa, putting millions at risk of hunger. Ethiopia and Kenya struggle too.

If aid isn’t increased, Laerke predicts famine in southern Somalia, including the capital, between April and June 2023. Most at risk are agropastoral inhabitants in Baidoa and Burhakaba districts and displaced persons in Baidoa town and Mogadishu.

Famine is intense hunger and high death rates from famine, malnutrition, and illnesses like cholera.

A formal famine declaration means more than a fifth of households have extreme food gaps, more than 30% of children are acutely malnourished, and more than 2,000 people die every day.

Also Read

At least four dies in Somalia Villa Rays attack

Armed terrorists took over a hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu...