| A BAHRAINI volunteer on an aid mission to Somalia says he was returning with haunting images of families barely able to stand, some too weak to even bury their children. He said these were some of many images of Somali refugees he witnessed, with some standing in line for more than 17 hours to receive food and other aid items. "The refugees were barely standing and their bones were scarily showing due to hunger," said Islamic Education Society member Nasser Mohammed. "Some went on for three days without water." Mr Mohammed has just arrived from a five-day journey to Somalia, where he delivered aid to refugees in camps at Daadab, a Kenyan city near the border with Somalia, as well as the port city of Kismayu. The country has reportedly been hit by the worst drought in 60 years, where tens of thousands of people are leaving their areas to refugee camps to receive aid. Around 3.7 million Somalis are said to be risking starvation in two regions of south Somalia controlled by Al Shabab militants. Aid agencies have limited reach in Somalia where Islamist militants are reportedly waging an insurgency against the country's UN-backed government. One of the most dangerous groups among the militants, Al Shabab, has barred major relief organisations from operating in the territories it controls. The UN estimates around 1,300 new Somali refugees arrive daily in Kenya, several hundreds more flee to Ethiopia and at least 1,000 others crowd into Mogadishu, fleeing not only drought but continued fighting between government forces and rebels. The society was able to deliver around 300 tonnes of food supplies, which served more than 80,000 people in the country. Mr Mohammed said the devastated people he met had moved him to tears. "Some went through a three-day journey to reach the camp without water," he said. "When they were offered a drop of water, they looked as if they just woke up from a coma, too startled." "Tears filled my eyes. I would never imagine any human being to be living like this. We are busy with our dreams while these people cannot even secure life's necessities. "Everyone should spare even only a dinar to help their brothers. "Statistics estimate four or five out of 10 children die everyday, which is even higher than the UN's declaration of drought. "It is alarming and something must be done quickly to save these children." Mr Mohammed said from what he saw, he believed the situation was against all human values and everyone needs to help them. He said he along with other volunteers risked their health to travel to the devastated region. They took vaccinations to protect themselves from possible diseases as well as pills to boost their immune system against malaria and other diseases. "The country is at war and witnessing drought," said Mr Mohammed. "The situation is horrible and everyone needs to show their humanitarian side and help them." With BD20, a box containing 10kg of rice, 10kg of flour, 10kg sugar, 5kg cooking oil, 5kg dates and 5kg of baby milk powder will be obtained. "This will feed a family of five for a month," said Mr Mohammed. "No one should pretend not being able to help, we all should do our part." The society is also aiming to send medical supplies to the country, but it will only start once enough food is sent. "We did not put a target for our food supplies campaign," said Mr Mohammed. "It will only stop once the food shortage is solved. But the society will accept donations from those willing to take part in our upcoming medical supplies campaign to Somalia." People interested in helping can contact the society's hotline 77770770 or 39612391 and 33254505. Donations are also accepted at any of the society's six branches, located in Umm Al Hassam, Muharraq, Riffa, Isa Town, Hamad Town and Hidd. basma@gdn.com.bh |
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