UN: 2 million Somalis could die of starvation amid drought

In this March 8, 2017, file photo, the carcass of a dead goat lies in the desert in a drought-stricken area near Bandar Beyla in Somalia. The United Nations’ emergency relief coordinator said Tuesday, June 4, 2019, more than 2 million men, women and children could die of starvation in Somalia by summer’s end if international aid is not sent quickly to the drought-stricken African country. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations’ emergency relief coordinator said more than 2 million men, women, and children could die of starvation in Somalia by summer’s end if international aid is not sent quickly to the drought-stricken African country.

U.N. Undersecretary-General Mark Lowcock said about $700 million is needed after a rainless season that has killed both livestock and crops.

Lowcock announced Tuesday that the U.N.’s Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated $45 million for food, water, and daily necessities in Somalia as well as parts of Kenya and Ethiopia also affected by droughts.

In Somalia, about 3 million other people are struggling just to meet minimum food requirements. /kga