UN seeks global support as 4.9 mln Somali people need humanitarian aid

The UN agencies working in Somalia said they will launch an appeal next week, seeking 885 million U.S. dollars to provide humanitarian aid in the Horn of Africa nation in 2016.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said About 4.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Somalia and that the funds will enable the agencies to reach some 3.5 million people this year.

"This includes 1 million people who face food insecurity, while 3.9 million remain highly vulnerable to shocks," the UN said ahead of next Tuesday's launch of the 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Somalia.

According to OCHA, the El Nino phenomenon, which affected some 145,000 people in 2015, has also exacerbated the humanitarian situation.

"The HRP is requesting for 885 million dollars to reach 3.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, while at the same time linking humanitarian action and durable solutions," the statement said.

In 2015, humanitarian partners were able to reach nearly 2.5 million people with some of the most urgent life-saving assistance.

Experts have warned that the floods, which have made roads impassable and cut thousands off from aid, could reverse many of the humanitarian gains made in southern Somalia since 2011 when the Horn of Africa nation was devastated by famine.

OCHA said the above has been possible thanks in part to early funding estimated at 14 million dollars specifically to preparedness and response to El Nino in Somalia. Endit