Puntland Declares Drought And Calls For International Help

The president of the semi-autonomous regional state of Puntland, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gas has officially declared the drought-stricken regions of Puntland.

Years of poor rains have ravaged parts of Puntland state; the drought claimed hundreds of livestock.

President Abdiweli announced that severe water shortage and intensifying drought left nearly 1200,000 people in most parts of Puntland state.

“It has been forecasted that 65% of pastureland will be hit while 70 % of heads of livestock in Puntland may be affected by the blistering drought, with 1.2 million people in rural vicinities food-insecure,” he told a news conference at Puntland State House.

The president called on International NGOs and UN agencies to take part rescuing the drought stricken regions and he pledged his government’s plan to assist areas need water supply.

“It’s both a religious and state responsibility for the government to make much-needed intervention but the relief efforts could be swelling beyond our capacity,” he stated.

He added “We are calling the International NGOs and others to take part in assisting the people affected by the drought and we as a government are organizing assistance whatever our capacity might allow us to provide for the people in the immediate regions drought hit hard”