RAF Provides New aid in Northern Somalia

Doha, May 04 (QNA) - Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Service (RAF) has provided emergency relief for 1900 families in six Northern Somali areas which are: Oodl, Salel Coast, Gebeily, Mrdodi, Jih and Hood benefiting more than 10,000 affected people. RAF said in a press release on Wednesday that its efforts were focused on these six areas, due to the urgent need for emergency aid resulting of the severe drought that hit the country since 2011 until now. Food baskets including basic materials (rice, oil, sugar, flour, and dates) in sufficient quantities for a period of at least three months were distributed to these families in order to alleviate their suffering, especially the most vulnerable categories, such as children, mothers and the elderly who are facing acute shortage of food, the statement added. The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs of Somalia has called on relief organizations to provide urgent aid for those affected by famine and drought in the north and north-east of the country witnessing a wave of drought and famine led to livestock deaths, malnutrition and severe food shortages. The United Nations has warned of a return to famine and drought in northern Somalia after the scarcity of monsoon rains over the past years has led to the spread of drought and damage to crops and livestock deaths. The humanitarian situation is difficult with high grain prices and the scarcity of drinking water in many of these areas, to stop the primary economic activity in these areas, based on farming and grazing on seasonal rains. Northern Somali areas are especially hard hit, with some 385,000 people in dire need of food aid, according to the UN. (QNA)