Somalia: 2024 Gu Season Heavy Rains and Floods Flash Update No. 3 (As of 6 May 2024) [EN/SO]

This Flash Update is prepared by OCHA, in coordination with humanitarian partners and authorities in Somalia and covers the situation as of 6 May 2024. The next update will be issued as soon as additional information is available.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • More than 163,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and floods in Somalia, as of 5 May. At least 37, 120 have been displaced or relocated and seven children killed in 11 out of 22 hotspot districts.

  • Hirshabelle, Jubaland and South West states are the worst affected. At least 67 of the 95 verified settlements for internally displaced people in Hirshabelle have been impacted by the rains, affecting about 39,120 people (6, 520 households).

  • Authorities and communities in affected areas are appealing for urgent multi-sectoral assistance including food, water, shelter, non-food items, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies.

  • Partners have reached over 72,000 people with some form of assistance in 25 districts across the country. Those reached include 9,070 households that received unconditional cash assistance.

  • Despite increasing needs, the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which needs US$1.6 billion, is only 11 per cent funded. Partners require urgent additional funding to scale up response activities as heavy rains and floods spread.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Heavy Gu (April to June) rains and flash floods have spread to more areas of Somalia. As of 5 May, some 163,400 people have been affected, at least 37,120 displaced or relocated and seven children killed in 11 out of 22 hotspot districts. The rains have damaged some 1,143 houses, 4,702 latrines, three schools and killed at least 100 livestock across the country. Hirshabelle, Jubaland and South West states are the worst affected. The FAO-Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO-SWALIM) which monitors the rainfall and river levels, projects light to moderate rain over most parts of the country during the week ending 7 May, with chances of heavy rain and flash floods expected in some areas of Hiraan, Galgaduud and Mudug regions. Along the Shabelle River, the water level in Belet Weyne is above the moderate risk levels. Along the Juba River, current water levels at Doolow and Luuq are almost at moderate flood risk levels.

In affected areas, authorities and communities are appealing for urgent multi-sectoral assistance including food, water, shelter, non-food items, and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies. Partners estimate that at least 770,000 people will be affected by the ongoing rains and floods by the time the Gu season ends.

At least 67 of the 95 verified settlements for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Hirshabelle State have been impacted by the rains, affecting about 6,520 households (39,120 people) and damaging 156 latrines which is posing a risk of cholera outbreak. In Jowhar district, partners report that heavy rains on 28 April displaced over 3,000 people (500 households) from four IDP sites in Hantiwadag neighborhood (Alla-amin, Jiliyale, Alla-suge, and Daryeel). Thirty latrines were damaged in Alla-amin and Jiliyale. Reports from Jubaland State indicate that an estimated 60,000 people have been affected, with 24,968 displaced from their homes. The main road connecting the districts to major supply hubs have been flooded and are impassable, while two airstrips are swamped and unusable.

Nearly 24,400 people have been affected and 3,240 displaced in South West State. More than 3,000 latrines have been damaged. In districts along the Dhabelle river, including Marka and Qoryooley in Lower Shabelle region, rains have affected 8,040 people (1,340 households) and damaged crops, houses, and latrines. In Janaale town, Marka, the Shabelle River flooded on 1 May, displacing more than 210 households, damaging 120 shelters and swamping 12 hectares of crops. The floods also damaged more than 50 community latrines. The affected families have moved to higher areas within Janaale and are appealing for immediate shelter, water and sanitation kits. The authorities are appealing for empty sacks and floods prevention items.

On 4 May, heavy rains displaced 1,500 people (250 households) in Balibusle and 20 households (120 people) in Xarfo town, located in Jariiban and Gaalkacyo districts, Galmudug State. The floods inundated 50 latrines, posing a health risk, and destroyed the walls of two schools in Xarfo town. In Puntland State, the authorities reported that heavy downpours on 4 and 5 May affected about 600 households (3,600 people) and washed away shelter, water wells and farmlands in Canaayaskax, Shimbiraaley and Siigadheer villages in Garowe District, Nugaal region. According to MoHADM, Shimbiraaley village is the most affected. Over 900 people (150 households) and 10 farms have also been affected by floods in Barookhle village Carmo region of Bari region. Reports from Banadir region show close to 1,500 new IDPs have recently arrived in Daynille district from riverine villages in Middle Shabelle region.