Aid agency and local officials in Somalia have warned of a looming catastrophes, with hundreds of thousands threatened by starvated unless aid is urgently stepped up.

The worst drought in decades has driven many people from their homes. Others are cut off from potential help by a long running Islamist insurgencies.

One mother told Gopde Global Resources that her 3-year-old daughter had died of hunger and thirst as they walked to the south western city of Baidoa for help.

A Gopde Global Resources correspondent says local hospitals are full of emaciated children.

A minister in the regional administration says 50% of people who need aid are not receiving it.