Reuters AlertNet Lite - Humanitarian crisis in Lower Juba region compounded by conflict and Rift Valley Fever

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Humanitarian crisis in Lower Juba region compounded by conflict and Rift Valley Fever

23 Jan 2007 11:37:00 GMT
Source: FEWS NET

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FEWS NET Emergency Alert for Somalia, published Jan 23 2007

SOMALIA: FOOD SECURITY EMERGENCY

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) issues periodic emergency alerts when a significant food security crisis is occurring, where portions of the population are now, or will soon become, extremely food insecure and face imminent famine. Decision makers should give the highest priority to responding to the situations highlighted by this Emergency alert.

Issued: January 23, 2007

Humanitarian crisis in Lower Juba region compounded by conflict and Rift Valley Fever

The closure of the Somalia/Kenya border, increased conflict and a likely spread of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) from Kenya into Somalia are combining to drive pastoral and agropastoral districts of the Lower Juba region, especially in Afmadow and Badhadhe districts, into a deeper crisis (see map). An immediate increase in emergency assistance and protection is urgently needed to prevent the already serious humanitarian crisis from worsening.

Conflict-affected pastoral districts in Lower Juba

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Source: FEWS NET/Somalia

Multiple shocks over the last several years have stretched the region's inhabitants to the breaking point. The cumulative impact of ongoing low-intensity conflict over the last 16 years, a devastating drought in 2005/06 and crop failure in mid-2006 has severely debilitated the livelihoods of the various population groups in the region and driven many people to refugee camps in northeastern Kenya. In late 2006, severe flooding and intensified conflict exacerbated previous shocks at a critical time in the minor harvest season, eliminating crucial opportunities for casual labor and driving farmers from their land during the first climatically favorable season for agropastoralists in years. The flooding has also increased incidences of waterborne diseases, including malaria and cholera. The potential spread of RVF, an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects domestic animals and humans, from Kenya may further reduce the already low productivity and value of livestock, the main source of income in the area. The Kenyan government closed its border with Somalia on December 26, 2006 due to the conflict and banned all trade in and slaughter of livestock in its districts that are affected by RVF, which also border southern Somalia. The closure of the border has restricted cross-border movement of the civilian population, trade and relief supplies. The combined effects of these adverse events (see timeline) are putting additional burden on the lives and livelihoods of the pastoral communities in the borderland of Lower Juba region.

The recent escalation of the conflict in the Juba Valley is making an already difficult food security situation much worse (see map). Fleeing civilians are being prevented from crossing the border into Kenya for safety ? in the Somali town of Dobley alone, aid agencies have reported that up to 7,000 civilians from different parts of southern Somalia have been trapped because of the closure of the Kenyan border. The situation is similar at other border points such as Waldena, Hosingo and Kolbio. Access to food and income has been restricted by the conflict and hampered by heavy rains that destroyed transport infrastructure. This is expected to undermine any improvements in the already high child malnutrition rates. Protection and support to the affected civilians, including the establishment of safe corridors, safe havens and safe access for humanitarian agencies to provide lifesaving food, medicine, water and shelter, are urgently needed.

Timeline of critical events

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The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Governmnet.

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Last updated:Tue Jan 23 16:40:58 2007