JABAR EKSPRES – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday (7/18) appealed for urgent humanitarian funding to help drought-stricken Somalia, where half the population risks missing out on vital life support due to lack of funds.

OCHA said this year’s Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) is only enough to fund 30.5 percent ($793 million) until around mid-year, while $2.6 billion is needed for the needs of 7.6 million Somalis.

“Given the enormous humanitarian needs, additional funds are urgently needed to provide life-saving assistance,” according to the organization’s statement.

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The situation in the Horn of Africa country will worsen if emergency aid does not reach those in need, especially in the Hiraan agropastoral area, Belet Weyne urban area and refugee camps, and pastoral areas in central Somalia, according to the organization.

Somalia is the country most affected by drought, displacing millions and killing an estimated 43,000 people.

The devastating impact of the worst drought to hit the country in 40 years is now being compounded by flooding.

Earlier this month, two girls drowned in floodwaters in eastern Jowhar, the administrative capital of the central state of Hirshabele.

The floods displaced 9,600 people in several villages in Balcad, a town 40 kilometers from the capital Mogadishu.

According to OCHA, 11 villages in South West State were submerged earlier this month, displacing 14,400 people and washing away fields, while rain continued to fall in the northern and southern coastal regions of the country.

The organization warned that El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole are expected to cause heavy rains and flooding in October, especially along the Shabelle and Juba rivers.