A Somalia drought is affecting about half the African country's population, at least 6.2 million, leading to a deep food shortage there.
Somalia Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said 110 people died of hunger over a two-day span in one region because of the drought, National Public Radio reported. Officials had already declared a natural disaster last week with the United Nations putting out calls for aid.
"I can confirm that Bay region in the south and other parts of Somalia are deteriorating rapidly, and my estimation is that half of the country's population has felt the impact of this drought," Khaire said, according to NPR.
"It is a difficult situation for the pastoralists and their livestock. Some people have been hit by (hunger) and diarrhea at the same time. The Somali government will do its best, and we urge all Somalis, wherever they are, to help and save the dying Somalis," Khaire continued.
The U.N.'s Security Council had stressed to newly elected Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed "Farmajo" last month about the need to address the impending food crisis and drought there.
"The Security Council calls on President Farmajo and his government to give urgent attention to the immediate risk of famine, to take active steps to prevent it, and to address the consequences of the severe drought in Somalia," a statement from the council said in February.
"The council appeals to donors to increase support to the Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia and to support the appeals for aid by Somali federal and regional authorities. The Council reiterates the need for full, safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of aid to persons in need across Somalia," the statement continued.
The Associated Press reported that Somalia was one of four areas in need of resources in its $4.4 billion appeal because of possible catastrophic hunger and famine. The other regions included northeast Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen.
The AP reported that thousands have been traveling to Somalia's capital of Mogadishu searching for food. That has overwhelmed local and international aid agencies with more than 7,000 displaced people checking into one feeding center recently.
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