- Identifies 4.3 mln drought victims
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
ADDIS ABABA – The World Food Program (WFP) has joined the international effort to bridge food shortages in the drought-hit areas of the Somali State, the National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) said.
Speaking to The Ethiopian , NDRMC Public Relations Director Debebe Zewde stated that the WFP has been providing food and other amenities to save the lives of drought-affected people. The Commission has identified 4.3 million drought victims including over 3.2 million people requiring emergency food assistance.
Also, out of the eleven zones of the State, nine are heavily affected by the drought. Debebe pointed out that for natural and man-made disasters in all areas, the support has been provided by three main parties namely the government, a consortium of non-governmental organizations, and the WFP.
According to Debebe, the government distributed some 18,000 quintals of nutritious food for the most vulnerable communities such as pregnant mothers, children, breastfeeders, and others in the drought-hit Borena Zone of the Oromia State.
Furthermore, several individuals and institutions have been engaged in resource mobilization for victims, and more of a push is required to coordinate resources and avoid duplication. Due attention should also be given to delivering support to the victim. Some 8.3 million people have been receiving humanitarian aid from 29 partners in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar states, he added.
Recently, Somali State Communication Bureau Head Abdulqadir Reshid said that some 3.7 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The drought has occurred in all zones; however, Shebele, Dawa, and Afdher are areas heavily affected by the problem.
Of the 3.7 million citizens in dire need of humanitarian assistance, it is possible at present to address 1.3 million. Of the 3.7 million citizens in dire need of humanitarian assistance, it is possible to address 1.3 million. The largely slow response of the international partners left 2.4 million citizens with the problem.
The Ethiopian March 12/ 2023
