By Mohamed Qaal - Reporter
Somalia, 5 January 2026 The Somali non-profit organization, Tadamun Social Society, has officially launched the 4th phase of its drought relief program in Dhahar, Sanaag region, in collaboration with King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.
The relief effort aims to support 4,410 vulnerable families across Puntland, with over 500 families in Dhahar. The food packages include flour, rice, sugar, pasta, and cooking oil, helping communities severely affected by prolonged drought.
The launch ceremony, on Sunday, was attended by ministers and members of parliament from Puntland, local authorities from Sanaag and Dhahar, and representatives from civil society organizations.
Puntland’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ubah Abdirashid, emphasized the importance of the administration's partnership with Tadamun Social Society to address the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, urging charity organizations to step up aid relief efforts."The aid we have received is not sufficient, and we call on humanitarian organizations to increase support, as the drought has affected the entire Somali region, particularly Puntland,” the Minister.
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This distribution comes at a critical time, as prolonged drought has impacted livelihoods and livestock. It is the first delivery of humanitarian aid in 2026.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, which provides much-needed relief amid severe water shortages and food insecurity.
According to the United Nations, Puntland is among the areas hardest hit by drought, with nearly one million people facing hardship, including 130,000 in emergency conditions. Wells and water sources have dried up, vegetation has withered, and previously populated pastoral areas are now deserted.
