Mogadishu: The United Nations predicted that 6.5 million people in Somalia will face a famine or worse by next March, an increase of 1.7 million from January estimates.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, issued by the UN and regional partners and aid organizations, stated that this number includes two million people suffering from acute food insecurity. It also indicated that more than 1.8 million children under the age of five will face acute malnutrition this year.

The report highlighted that nearly half a million children in Somalia are likely to suffer from severe malnutrition. This alarming situation follows a warning issued by the World Food Programme (WFP), which stated that its life-saving food and nutrition assistance will cease within weeks if new resources are not provided.

Somalia is currently grappling with a severe deterioration in food security and nutrition. This crisis is driven by a nationwide drought emergency that has resulted in critical water shortages, significant crop and livestock losses, and widespread displacement.