Monday, November 20, 2023
Vulnerable children in Somalia exposed to more suffering and heightened risk of disease and malnutrition, as floods wreak havoc, World Vision warns
World Vision has warned that the floods in Somalia have increased the scope of suffering and risk of disease outbreak for vulnerable children and their families, who had barely recovered from the effects of the prolonged drought in 2022.
The current floods have destroyed homes, schools, roads and bridges, leaving children without basic needs such as shelter, food, and clean drinking water. Flood waters have also contaminated clean water sources and damaged latrines, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks such as diarrhea, which can lead to malnutrition.
Kevin Mackey, Country Director for World Vision’s programs in Somalia said: “The floods have made life extremely difficult for children. Ongoing flooding has destroyed homes forcing children and their families to leave their homes, some of whom are now sheltering in makeshift structures in the open. As they move, they are at increased risk of illness.”
