Photo by Oxfam East Africa
The country of Somalia is in a drought. In a 48-hour period, over 100 people died from hunger.
Per Fox News, “Somalia’s prime minister says 110 people have died from hunger in the past 48 hours in a single region as a severe drought threatens millions of people across the country.”
The famine is not isolated to a single region. It’s affecting half the country.
NPR states, “At least 6.2 million people in Somalia — or just about half the country — are grappling with the prospect of an acute food shortage due to deepening drought. And on Saturday, Somalia’s prime minister made it clear that the conditions are exacting a stark human cost.”
In some regions, the water-borne disease, Cholera is killing people, due to lack of sanitary water.
BBC reports, “Local news outlet Alldhacdo reported dozens of deaths due to cholera in the town of Awdinle, also in the Bay region. The disease is often spread due to lack of clean drinking water.”
The UN estimated around 5 million people in Somalia are in need of aid.
Fox News explains, “It was the first drought-related death toll announced by Somalia’s government since it declared a national disaster on Tuesday. The United Nations estimates that 5 million people in this Horn of Africa nation need aid, amid warnings of a full-blown famine.”
The problem with having water-borne diseases as well as a famine, is that the extreme hunger decreases the likelihood to fight the diseases.
Per NPR, “As NPR’s Eyder Peralta notes for our Newscast unit, the country already declared the drought a national disaster on Tuesday. As Somalia has dried up, Khaire says the lack of clean water has increased the risks of waterborne diseases, while the ability of malnourished people to fight off those diseases has plummeted.”
The drought in Somalia was caused by an El Nino pattern which affected both east and southern Africa.
BBC states, “The drought in Somalia has been partly caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon which has affected east and southern Africa.”
Many Christians where they’re persecuted lose their livelihoods because their bosses don’t find their new faith acceptable. Open Doors helps provide jobs to these suffering Christians, so they can get an education.
MNN reports, “Open Doors coordinates directly with the local Church in these countries to provide humanitarian and spiritual support. Because the believers in many of these areas may be struggling in terms of material provision along with the rest of the country, it’s a chance to see the global Body of Christ come together in mutual encouragement.”
Pray for people to be able to get jobs in Somalia and other areas where there’s drought. Pray for an end to the famine. Pray for persecuted Christians in these areas to be able to share Christ’s hope.
Fox News: Somalia: 110 dead from hunger in past 48 hours in drought
NPR: Drought Threatens To Drive Famine In Somalia As Hunger Kills More Than 100
BBC: Somalia drought: More than 100 die from hunger in one region
MNN: East Africa food prices expected to spike in drought
