The Devastating Impact of Heavy Rains and Floods: 37,000 Displaced as Funding Dries Up for OCHA

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is currently facing severe flooding and mass displacement due to the ongoing Gu rains, impacting more than 163,400 individuals and displacing a minimum of 37,120, according to the most recent report by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Hirshabelle, Jubaland, and South West states have been particularly hard hit by the seasonal rains, disrupting the lives of thousands and overwhelming response teams.

Responding to the escalating crisis, Somalia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has issued a cautionary alert about dangerously high water levels in the Shabelle River near Beledweyne, which are on the verge of overflowing. The Ministry has advised residents living near the river and other water bodies to steer clear in order to reduce the flooding risks.

Infrastructure in affected areas has suffered significant damage: roads, bridges, and schools have been destroyed, and substantial agricultural losses have been reported due to flooded fields. The primary route between Garowe and Bosaso in Puntland has been severely impacted, affecting transportation and aid distribution. Concerns have also been raised about the damaged sanitation facilities potentially leading to cholera outbreaks, underscoring the need for international support.

The disaster has spurred urgent appeals for multi-sectoral assistance, encompassing food, water, shelter, and healthcare services. Communities and authorities are especially stressing the importance of providing water, sanitation, and hygiene resources to prevent the spread of diseases among the displaced populations.

Despite the critical circumstances, securing funding remains a major obstacle. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Somalia, essential for addressing these challenges, is only 11% funded, while the total requirement stands at $1.6 billion. With the rains expected to persist, there is a pressing need for increased international aid and funding to ramp up response activities and provide vital relief to those affected.

OCHA and its partner organizations have assisted over 72,000 individuals in some capacity thus far, but the magnitude of the crisis demands much more.