Residents of Mahas face water shortage

A severe water shortage has been reported by local people in Mahas town and surrounding rural villages in Somalia’s Hiraan region, after water pans and dams dried up.

A traditional elder in Mahas town, Ali Salad Ugas said that the residents currently depended on water brought by tankers.

He noted that a 20 litre jerry can cost 15,000 Somali shillings which the locals cannot afford.

He warned of potential humanitarian challenges brewing in the region if it does not rain very soon.

“Worsening drought conditions across the region have left thousands of Somalis facing severe food and water shortages,” said Ugas.

He added, “We have lost most of our animals. The remaining need feed and water as the land can no longer provide pasture.”

He called upon the government and well-wishers and humanitarian aid agencies to give a helping hand to Mahas residents who are facing the worst humanitarian conditions.