MOGADISHU, Somalia, July 22 (UPI) -- The U.N. World Food Program said it would start delivering emergency food supplies into Mogadishu soon, adding the famine there is at a critical level.
Scientists said the worst drought to hit the Horn of Africa in more than 60 years is likely the result of strong seasonal weather phenomenon in the region that could linger for the rest of the year. U.N. officials said any harvest is likely several months away for Somalia and the drought has triggered widespread famine.
Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaida affiliated militant group in control of much of south Somalia, said it would let some humanitarian aid into the region.
WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said there is a "life-and-death situation" in Somalia. She said she was encouraged by al-Shabaab's decision but noted her agency was still "testing the ground" in southern Somalia.
"People in the south of Somalia are too ill and weak to go in search of food, so we must bring it to them," she said. "WFP is preparing to open up a number of new routes -- by land and air -- into the core of the famine zone to establish the necessary operating conditions, including those that will secure the safety of humanitarian personnel."
