Somalia Drought Intensifies, Affecting Over 4. 6 Million People. Mogadishu, Somalia — December 23, 2025 — Somalia’s ongoing drought is intensifying, affecting over 4.
6 million people, nearly a quarter of the nation’s population, according to authorities and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The situation has led to at least 120,000 displacements between September and December, driven by rising water prices, scarce food supplies, and the death of livestock.
The dry conditions are expected to worsen during the upcoming January — March dry season, with further water shortages, increased livestock losses, and growing food insecurity predicted.
The next rainy season is not anticipated until April 2026.
The current drought follows the failure of both the April — June and October–December rains. At least 170 boreholes and shallow wells have become non-functional across the country, while over 75,000 students have dropped out of school due to families’struggle to cope.
Humanitarian agencies are providing cash assistance, animal fodder, and rehabilitating water sources, supported by a US$10 million allocation from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund aimed at helping over 603,000 people.
However, OCHA has warned that funding remains critically low. Somalia’s US$1.
4 billion humanitarian response plan has received only about US$370 million, leaving major gaps in lifesaving aid.
Authorities and partners are warning that the coming months will be critical to avert further displacement and loss of life.
The government and international partners are urging for increased funding and support to address the crisis effectively.
The prolonged drought has put immense pressure on the country’s resources and infrastructure, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
.
Source: sonna.
