90 percent of the wells have dried up: East Africa is facing huge water shortages

According to aid organization Oxfam, more than 33 million people in East Africa do not have enough to drink. In parts of Somalia, northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia, up to 90 percent of vital rural resources have completely dried up, according to calculations by Oxfam on the occasion of World Water Day on Wednesday.

In addition, prices for drinking water in the three countries on the Horn of Africa have risen by up to 400 percent in some regions since the beginning of 2021 – making it unaffordable for the people there.

The region is experiencing one of the worst droughts in 40 years. Most recently, five rainy seasons were well below average. According to the UN, nearly 10 million head of cattle have died from the drought. More than 36 million people would therefore not have enough to eat.

“The most hungry people in the region are also the thirstiest,” said Fati N’Zi-Hassane, director of Oxfam Africa. People now depend on expensive water transport or unsafe, polluted wells. This increases the risk of contracting diseases such as cholera.

Longest drought on record

According to forecasts, there will be no rain in May this year for the sixth consecutive month, according to Oxfam. The current drought is the longest since measurements began.

So far, humanitarian aid has prevented a severe famine in countries like Somalia. However, only 20 percent of the current $7 billion United Nations appeal for Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia has been funded so far, Oxfam said. That is not nearly enough to support millions of people. (sda/dpa/afp)