Over 58,000 children under threat of starvation in SomaliaFebruary 10, 2016 - 14:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - More than 58,000 children in drought-hit Somalia will starve to death if they do not receive urgent support, the United Nations has warned, according to Al-Jazeera. The situation in the country, where dry conditions are exacerbated by an exceptionally strong El Nino weather pattern, is "alarming and could get worse", the UN said. It added that an estimated 4.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and some 950,000 people "struggle every day to meet their food needs". "The level of malnutrition, especially among children, is of serious concern, with nearly 305,000 children under the age of five years acutely malnourished," said Peter de Clercq, the UN aid chief for Somalia. "We estimate that 58,300 children face death if they are not treated," he added, according to Al-Jazeera. The warnings, based on the latest data collected by the UN, come four years after intense drought and war sparked a famine killing more than 250,000 people. Northern Somali areas, including self-declared independent Somaliland along the Gulf of Aden and semi-autonomous Puntland, are especially hard-hit. "We are deeply concerned ... with severe drought conditions intensifying in Puntland and Somaliland, many more people risk relapsing into crisis," the UN said, calling for $885m in aid. At least 10.2 million people need food aid in Ethiopia, a figure the UN has warned could double within months, leaving a fifth of the population to go hungry. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |