New Delhi: India has sent a 10-tonne consignment of humanitarian aid to Somalia, extending support to the African nation as it grapples with a deepening crisis marked by prolonged conflict, climate shocks and economic challenges.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the development through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday, noting that the aid package includes critical medical supplies. The consignment features essential medicines, surgical items, hospital necessities and biomedical equipment.

"India's humanitarian assistance to the people of Somalia continues. A consignment comprising of 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, which includes essential medicines, surgical items, hospital essentials and biomedical equipment, has departed for ," the post read.

The packages were visibly marked with the Indian tricolour and labelled as a “Gift from the People and Government of India.”

According to the European Commission, Somalia had endured prolonged conflict and extreme weather conditions for decades.

The 2020-2023 drought, caused by five consecutive failed rainy seasons, affected 90 per cent of the country and impacted over 8 million people.

The 2023 Deyr rainy season, from October to December, was exacerbated by the El Nino effect, resulting in above-average rainfall and massive flooding that affected 2.5 million people, including 1.2 million who were forcibly displaced, the Commission stated.

Somalia is currently experiencing the effects of La Nina, which is projected to persist until at least mid-2025. This is causing dry spells and below-average rainfall, which will heighten food insecurity, increase the risk of cholera and waterborne diseases, and intensify resource-based conflicts among clans.

Six million people will require immediate, life-saving humanitarian aid and protection in 2025. Although the most pressing need for households is food, half of Somalia's population lacks access to water, and finding suitable housing remains challenging.

ANI