Three people have died from a diarrhea outbreak that hit parts of Hiran region following water shortages caused by the dry up of River Shabelle.
The three people died in separate days this week following the outbreak of the disease in Far-Libah village which lies 45km away Beledweyne town.
Jamal Ali Abdulle, Far-Libah chief who confirmed the outbreak said over ten others were affected by the disease were admitted to hospitals
The victims are suspected to have consumed contaminated water from small water catchments at the riverbed.
Abdulle urged the federal and state governments and aid agencies to deliver emergency support to the village before the situation turns tragic.
“The village has no dispensary, before the outbreak of the disease; we used to seek medication from Beledweyn town. We used to transport patients to the town by means of donkey carts but now people and animals die here without food, water and medicine, We urge our leaders to help this village,” said Abdulle.
Due to the drought situation that hit most parts of the region for the past three months, residents have had to share the scarce water sources with livestock.
Last week, Hirshabelle president, Mohamed Abdi Ware has appealed for the aid agencies to help the people in the state.
“I appeal to the federal government and International aid agencies to immediately come to the rescue of the people in the affected areas. These residents have no food and water,” said Ware.
Most of people in Hiran and Middle Shbelle regions have been relying on River Shabelle for their livelihood.
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