Amid Al-Shabaab menace, draught hits Somalia's Jubaland

Jubaland administration has issued an alarm over the severe drought in the Lower Juba region [Photo: AP]

KISMAYO, Somalia - The Jubaland state is facing possible humanitarian challenges, following an unprecedented drought that has wreaked havoc in most parts of Afmadow district, just near the border of Kenya in Western Somalia.

According to reports from the Lower Jubba region, severe drought has hit parts of Afmadow, Dhobley, and Kulbiyow, which are also facing Al-Shabaab threats as Somali and Kenyan troops are in charge of the security.

Images taken from the region indicate that water reservoirs dried up and animals are dying, making it difficult for the human population to survive in the coming weeks. Most hit areas include villages that come under the district of Afmadow.

Already, the Jubaland administration under the stewardship of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Farmaajo has issued an alarm over the severe drought in the Lower Juba region, which has killed most livestock and caused severe water shortages.

Although water trucking has begun in the region, the Jubaland administration has appealed for greater support for those affected by the drought. Humanitarian agencies have been requested to chip in expeditiously to curb the possible loss of lives.

A video shared by officials from the area shows the scale of the drought, lack of water, and desperation of the population. This was filmed in Lower Juba recently, possibly in the vicinity of Afmadow according to the source who provided it.

The Jubaland state has issued an alarm over the severe drought in the Lower Juba region, which has killed most livestock and caused severe water shortages.

Being an arid area, Somalia receives rains once a year and most locals depend on water reservoirs for the better part of the year. Even when it rains, several parts of the country also tackle severe flooding, making it impossible for water harvesting.

The affected areas are also prone to Al-Shabaab attacks but the presence of the Somali National Army [SNA] and AMISOM have greatly transformed the region. The Al-Shabaab militants have recently lost key strategic towns in some of these regions.

GAROWE ONLINE