Puntland, Somalia — Puntland is grappling with one of the harshest droughts in recent memory, leaving more than a million residents in urgent need of humanitarian support. Among those affected are over 300,000 children under the age of five, whose lives are increasingly threatened by extreme water shortages and food insecurity.

Vice President Ilyas Osman highlighted the severity of the situation, stressing that entire communities are struggling to access clean water, adequate nutrition, and basic healthcare. Families in rural areas, heavily reliant on livestock and small-scale farming, are particularly vulnerable as crops fail and animals perish under the relentless heat.

Humanitarian agencies are sounding the alarm as the drought stretches resources thin. Water sources have dwindled, forcing residents to travel long distances in search of potable water, while malnutrition rates among children are climbing sharply. Local hospitals and clinics report a surge in cases of dehydration and related illnesses, putting further strain on already limited health services.

Puntland authorities are appealing for immediate international support to prevent further loss of life. Efforts are underway to distribute emergency food, water, and medical supplies, but officials warn that without rapid intervention, the situation could escalate into a full-blown humanitarian crisis.

Communities, already weakened by years of conflict and economic hardship, are facing a precarious future. For families in Puntland, survival has become a daily challenge, and the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the worst of the drought’s impact can be mitigated.