The latest reports from the UN (as reported by PBS) show that the current East Africa famine is the worst famine the region has had in the last 60 years. The affected areas include not only Somalia, but also extend to Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.
The UN says that the current drought has led to the loss of crops and livestock and the result is that more than 11 million people are in need of food. It is estimated that up to 800,000 children may die of starvation.
According to the AFP, Dadaab refugee camp in Eastern Kenya is now the largest refugee camp in the world. The refugee camp was established to accommodate Somalis who fled their country because of the civil war. Now the drought has made life impossible for those who had remained behind.
As many as 40,000 Somalis arrived at the camp in July alone fleeing the drought in their country. The LA Times reports that, "The refugee camp now holds 372,000 people, more than 4 times its capacity".
To find out how you can help, click here for a list of some of the established charities that are working in the region.
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