Sunday April 21, 2024
People walk through floodwater in Beledweyne, central Somalia, on May 14, 2023. Hassan Ali Elmi/AFP via Getty Images
MOGADISHU (HOL) — As the Gu rainy season progresses in Somalia, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that anticipated heavy rains across 22 districts could impact up to 770,000 people. Significant flooding has not been reported, but ongoing rains raise concerns about potential flooding, especially in regions like Hirshabelle and South West States.
In preparation for possible floods, humanitarian agencies have mobilized 51 boats for evacuations and aid delivery in critical areas. These regions are also experiencing moderate to hefty rainfall as predicted by weather forecasts, necessitating immediate and effective response efforts to prevent disaster.
Amidst these weather challenges, Somalia continues to battle a significant displacement crisis, with over 1.5 million individuals forcibly evicted from their homes in the past seven years. In 2023 alone, more than 207,850 people were evicted, primarily in the Banadir region, where most displaced individuals reside. Many displaced people in the Kahda and Daynille districts of Banadir are receiving less than the national average in humanitarian assistance, exacerbating their vulnerabilities.
To combat an ongoing outbreak of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD)/cholera, Somalia has received 1.4 million oral vaccine vials. These vaccines are being distributed in five hotspot districts identified for high vulnerability: Bossaso, Daynille, Mahaday, Buurhakaba, and Balcad.
The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia has outlined a funding requirement of $1.6 billion to address the needs of 6.9 million people requiring aid, with a target to directly assist 5.2 million.