MOGADISHU, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- An estimated 320,000 people fled their homes due to insecurity and conflict within Somalia in 2018, a humanitarian organization said on Thursday.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) warned that the conflict and insecurity are getting worse since the number of civilians who fled their homes last year increased by 50 percent from 2017.
"We are alarmed at the sharp increase in the number of civilians forced to flee their homes in Somalia. The conflict is getting worse for civilians, making thousands more homeless. If this worrying trend continues, it could lead to catastrophe," Evelyn Aero, NRC's regional adviser warned in a statement issued in Mogadishu.
According to Aero, areas hardest hit by the fighting were in the Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia, which are areas still heavily impacted today.
"These families take refuge in crowded camps for displaced people in Somalia, living in flimsy shelters. They are vulnerable to malaria, evictions, insecurity and gender based violence. Young children are especially vulnerable to malnutrition and disease. They urgently need more aid to survive," said Aero.
According to the organization, an estimated 2.6 million Somalis are currently displaced within the country. In addition, conflict and insecurity, other causes of displacement include drought, flooding and evictions.
