UN data shows 6.5 million people in Somalia at risk of severe hunger from drought

The United Nations has warned that Somalia is facing a worsening hunger crisis as prolonged drought, conflict and economic hardship push millions closer to starvation.

According to UN officials, severe dry conditions have devastated crops and killed livestock across large parts of the country, leaving families without food, income or basic resources.

Humanitarian agencies say the situation is deteriorating rapidly, with children among the most vulnerable.
The UN estimates that millions of Somalis are experiencing acute food insecurity, with a significant number at risk of famine if urgent funding and assistance are not mobilised.

Aid agencies report that malnutrition rates are rising, particularly among children under five, as access to food and clean water becomes increasingly limited.

Years of instability and armed conflict have compounded the impact of climate shocks, making it difficult for communities to recover from repeated drought cycles.

Displacement has also surged, with families forced to leave their homes in search of food, water and humanitarian support.

Humanitarian organizations operating in Somalia say funding shortfalls are hindering relief efforts. They have called on the international community to step up support to prevent a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe.

Despite some rainfall in certain areas, aid workers caution that recovery will take time, as livelihoods have already been severely damaged.

The UN stressed that without sustained intervention, the hunger crisis could deepen further in the coming months.

Somalia has faced recurrent droughts over the past decade, with climate change intensifying weather extremes in the Horn of Africa and increasing the frequency of humanitarian emergencies.