The drought compounds an already challenging humanitarian situation in the area and has brought the estimated number of people who face acute food security Crisis and Emergency in Somaliland and Puntland to 385,000 people.

Another 1.3 million people are at risk of slipping into acute food insecurity if they do receive assistance, bringing the total number of people in need of some humanitarian assistance and livelihood support to 1.7 million.

The most urgent needs include access to food, nutrition, health and WASH, as well as education, protection and shelter support to ensure minimum standards of living, and reduce morbidity and mortality among vulnerable girls, pregnant and lactating women, boys and men.