The European Commission is sending more than seven million dollars to the world’s largest refugee center, the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. The population there stands at more than 370,000.
At least 61,000 Somalis have sought refuge at the camp since the beginning of this year, fleeing hunger, thirst and conflict.
“Severe drought is making tough living conditions unbearable, adding new pains to those caused by conflict and erratic weather,” said Kristalina Georgieva, European commissioner for humanitarian aid.
“Dadaab is just the starkest reminder that the spectre of hunger has returned to Africa,” she said. “We are acting today to respond to one of the most urgent problems, but we are preparing to commit more resources to the relief operation.”
The European Union is expected to announce more funding to the stricken areas in the coming days.
The EU money goes to feeding the most vulnerable, treating malnourished children, protecting livestock and providing water. The latest contribution brings the total EU contribution this year to more than $ 100 million dollars.
More than ten million people need emergency aid in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti that have been hit by drought.
“What we are witnessing in the Horn of Africa,” said Georgieva,”is now considered to be the worst food crisis in the world today.”
