Widespread drought in southern Somalia leaves 80% of livestock dead: UN

MOGADISHU, Somalia

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Somalia said Tuesday that widespread drought has devastated communities in the southern state of Jubaland, especially in Kismayo and Afmadow.

Communities in the area lost 80% of livestock due to widespread drought and extreme weather conditions, according to a statement by the office in Somalia.

"Rainfall in the past 3 days provided some relief, but concerns remain over long-term effects of dry weather in Jubaland,” it said on Twitter.

A UN report in October said 7.7 million Somali women, men and children are estimated to require humanitarian assistance in 2022 due to the devastating effects of conflict, climate shocks and disease outbreaks.

"Most critical needs include health, food, water,” it said.

Somalia has one of the highest numbers of internally displaced persons in the world, with 2.9 million people estimated to be displaced throughout the country, according to the UN.