Hundreds of families in Korr who are affected by severe drought experienced in the county got some reprieve after the county government supplied relief food.
Laisamis sub county administrator who presided over the relief food distribution exercise assured residents that the county government and partners would continue taking care of them during this difficult time.
The number of people in need of humanitarian support across the county continue to rise owing to failed rain in four consecutive seasons that left thousands of families without a source of livelihoods.
The rain failure led to poor performance in both the livestock and crop sectors which are the main source of livelihoods for the local communities.
Lack of pastures and long distance in search of water claimed thousands of animals and those still alive are weak and in poor condition, making it hard for the pastoralists to sell.
School going children are also affected by drought as majority of them find it difficult to continue with their learning.
Different schools in the county recorded highest numbers of absentees.
The distribution of the relief food will be based on need-basis with families at the highest risk being considered as the priority.
The administrator said the county government in its cardinal duty of ensuring citizens safety not threatened by drought has been maintaining boreholes and also supplying diesels.
He lamented the situation in the county was dire, with residents battling their own hunger and that of animals.
"It is a battle for survival for both human beings and animals. We are facing a terrible situation. The numbers of animals dying keep increasing," he said
The administrator however said though the hunger situation is worsening by the day, Governor Mohamud-led administration are prepared and will ensure all those severely affected get food and water until the situation goes back to normal.
He cautioned residents against selling relief food and urged beneficiaries to share with their neighbours.
Galwaries, a resident of Korr said the intervention is timely. Though they have an infant, they have been having one meal in a day and that has affected the health of their babies.
Susan, a resident of Korr who looked tired, said there are many days when her families gone hungry and if they were lucky, they only had one meal.
Halima, a beneficiary of relief food lauded the county government for the initiatives of distributing relief foods to alleviate their suffering.
