Somalia needs a minimum of $1 billion urgently to avert the looming famine.
Martin Griffiths, the United Nations humanitarian chief, predicted this on Tuesday, September 7.
He said that the East African nation needs the funds urgently to protect its citizens, especially women and children, from the pangs of famine in the next few months.
Griffiths has been in Somalia meeting various leaders and stakeholders since last week.
As per the latest weather forecasts, Somalia is expected to experience two more dry seasons into early next year.
The UN humanitarian chief said that a panel of experts has already concluded that Somalia should expect famine this year between October and December.
Consequently, he has appealed for quick intervention from the international community.
Griffiths says that the $1 billion urgently needed is in addition to the $1.4 billion that the UN already pledged to Somalia.