Heavy rain complicates relief effort in famine-stricken Somalia

October 26, 2011

After a long drought, the belated arrival of rain in Somalia is only complicating efforts to save 4 million people from starvation, the Caritas relief agency reports.

Although the rain itself is welcome, it comes too late to provide for an adequate harvest in the region, Caritas officials say. The heavy rainfall has damaged temporary shelters and complicated travel, making it more difficulty to deliver relief shipments. The rain also raises the danger of disease among the millions of people living without adequate shelter, sanitation, and medical care.

 

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Further information:

• The long-awaited rain is making the humanitarian situation worse, according to a Report of Caritas (Fides)