Bosaso (Sunatimes) The United Nations representative for humanitarian affairs, Mark Bowden, has embarked on a visit to different parts of Puntland, a day after he arrived at Bosaso airport.

Bowden’s delegation visited Waiyo, Hiyo and Harmo divisions in the eastern region of Puntland. Bowden was assessing the humanitarian situation in those areas that have been affected by drought. He is later expected to visit Qardo district.

The commissioner of Eastern region, Sheikh Abdifatah Ali told radio Bar-kulan that the delegation is later in the day expected to return to Bosaso. Sheikh Abdifatah said his administration expects to have a meeting with the UN delegation.

The UN humanitarian delegation led by Mark Bowden is assessing the humanitarian damage caused by the ravaging drought and the escalating violence in Somalia. Bowden has said that the UN has set aside over $500,000 for emergency relief to tackle the drought.

Some Somali regions have not received any rainfall for more than two years increasing the number of people who are in need of relief supply. Previously, over 1.2 million people who were displaced by violence, were mainly depending on relief.

By Nuh Muse