UN releases $10 mln to avert famine in Somalia as hunger crisis

The United Nations has released $10 million from its emergency fund to help avert famine in Somalia, where millions face acute food insecurity. The funding, announced Sunday by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, will support food, nutrition, health and water assistance for about 640,000 people, the United Nations said. “The window to prevent famine in Somalia is short,” Fletcher said.

The United Nations said around 6 million people are experiencing severe hunger, including 1.9 million in emergency levels of food insecurity. “The situation has deteriorated due to increased food insecurity, widespread malnutrition, and reduced access to basic services,” Fletcher said in a separate statement.The UN warned that a “plausible risk of famine” has been identified in parts of Bay and Bakool regions in South West State, particularly in agropastoral areas. More than 500,000 people have been displaced since the start of 2026, according to the UN.

Somalia is facing a severe drought following successive failed or below-average rainy seasons, compounded by conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and rising food prices. Humanitarian agencies have warned that funding shortages are forcing cuts to critical aid programmes even as needs continue to rise across the country.