Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mogadishu (Agenzia Fides) - Because of the low rainfall falls below the seasonal average in Somalia, damaging the so-called 'crop Gu' and the dramatic increase of food price, the level of malnutrition in the country has become alarming. According to data from the Oxford Commitee for Famine Relief (Oxfam), last year's drought and famine killed tens of thousands of victims besides having left another 4 million people, about half of the population dependent on humanitarian aid. The African country is now threatened by another severe famine. Water supplies and food have reached a critical level and are likely to worsen in some areas of the country within the next few months. This emergency portends a humanitarian crisis that could continue until next year. Oxfam statistics refer to a study concerning more than 1,800 families and 240 groups in 40 regions of Somalia, between the months of July and August. About half of the respondents said they regularly skip meals and a fifth has reduced the portions to ensure enough food for their children. Some women are forced to walk 18 kilometers a day on foot in search of water. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 10/10/2012)
