Qatar Red Crescent has announced the implementation of a water project in Somalia where people are suffering from drought for 15 months due to poor rainfall, which is the main source of water in the country.

The project included the rehabilitation of 3 giant artesian wells in 3 provinces in central and southern Somalia with a total cost of QR 400 thousand.

In a press release to this effect the Qatar Red Crescent Society said the wells have been maintained, cleaned with chlorine and deepened to reach the underground water level.

The project also included raising of awareness for the prevention against diseases and the training of the local people on maintenance.

The project will enable about 13 thousand people from the three drought-affected areas, along with hundreds of their herds of cattle, to have access to drinking water.

According to United Nations reports the drought has led to low crop production, making about two million and a half people in need of emergency relief aid, including one million and a half displaced people.

The United Nations warned earlier this week that it was struggling to keep up with an exodus of hungry Somali refugees and many emaciated children were dying of malnutrition along the way or after arriving in neighboring countries.

In June alone, an estimated 54,000 Somalis fled their country, trying to escape heavy fighting between government forces and al Shabaab rebels and food prices that have quadrupled in recent months due to severe drought.

QNA/AB