Somalia drought forces thousands to leave home seeking food and water.
Humanitarian organizations fear this year’s drought could lead to something even worse.
The rainy season has begun in Somalia, but with scant rain.
The United Nations has warned that 20 million people face starvation in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and northeastern Nigeria from the drought, including 6.2 million people in Somalia alone, which amounts to more than half of its population.
In addition, “displaced people have gathered in camps with poor sanitation and in shanties, which makes things worse,” said Dahir.
This year, UNICEF has recorded more than 35,400 cases of malnutrition and 18,400 cases of cholera among children in Somalia, a jump from the same point last year.
Aid groups are working to provide food and water in drought areas, and have reached 1.9 million people so far, said Dahir.
“The priorities are huge.
We need to improve access to food and water, treatment of malnourished children,” he said.
“The figures are going up every day.”