Local authorities reported on Sunday that a severe drought in Puntland has caused essential food prices to surge, significantly deteriorating living conditions for residents. Water scarcity and insufficient grazing land for livestock have impacted food availability in communities throughout Garowe, Bosaso, Qardho, and neighboring rural areas. Local residents have noted that flour, rice, and cooking oil prices have increased between 30 to 50 percent during the past few months. The drought’s effects have been most severe on vulnerable populations, such as internally displaced persons and low-income families. Many have lost their livestock or are dealing with deteriorating animal health, compelling some household members to abandon their homes in pursuit of assistance. Government representatives in Puntland have requested immediate assistance from both local and international humanitarian agencies, specifically asking for food provisions, water supplies, and emergency medical services to avert an escalating humanitarian emergency. Climate specialists caution that insufficient rainfall may extend the drought conditions in the near future, underscoring the importance of swift and comprehensive relief measures.