Relief groups working in Somalia warn of a worsening food crisis

The drought is killing livestock in huge numbers, destroying the livelihoods of Somali herders. (Photo: IRC)

In a statement released today, the International Rescue Committe (IRC) and 30 other relief agencies are warning of a worsening food crisis in Somalia. Over 2 million Somalis, almost a third of the country's population, are currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent memory.  The drought has impacted the already volatile food security situation, killing livestock in huge numbers and leading to skyrocketing food prices in the country.

The agencies are calling on the international community to increase and diversify humanitarian funding to save lives, to provide longer term funding for development and to rebuild livelihoods lost to the drought.

Read the full statement [PDF] l  Learn how the IRC helps