The lack of rain for four consecutive seasons has left the town dry, arid and semi desert-like. The town and its surrounding area is littered with the carcasses of cattle, goat and sheep. Even the camels, considered to be the most resilient of animals, have stopped lactating and will die soon, and this is a sure sign that people will be next. The Ogaden Welfare Society, together with the UN World Food Programme and US Agency for International Development, have established feeding centres and are trying to get more aid into the area. But many logistical problems exist.
Some areas are largely inaccessible as road infrastructure is poor.
There are also reports of rebel movements and banditry, which many believe is the reason why the international community has been slow to respond. But the government says these reports are exaggerated, and says getting more aid into the area should not be delayed any further. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Links to other Africa stories are at the foot of the page.