Somalia: Weekly Humanitarian Bulletin No. 18, 07 - 14 May 2010

Key Overall Developments

Hawa Abdi Clinic reopens

The Hawa Abdi Clinic located in the Afgooye Corridor, Lower Shabelle region was reopened during the reporting week following closure after a security incident between armed militia and the clinic guards on 5 May. Patients at the clinic were evacuated and others referred to other health centres nearby. On 7 May, in a press statement, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mark Bowden called on those responsible for the disruption of the clinic's functions to show genuine concern for their Somali fellow citizens, particularly the sick and vulnerable who are in need of care and treatment. "It's one of the most basic tenets of the laws of war - not to cause unnecessary suffering by attacking clearly identified medical institutions or medical personnel who are providing relief to those who need it," Mr. Bowden said.

Floods update

There has been limited flooding on the lower reaches of Juba and Shabelle Rivers in the past two weeks caused by breakages in the embankments. The floods have damaged crops and displaced approximately 100 households in Jamaame, Middle Juba, and another 100 households in Belet Weyne, Hiraan. According to the Somali Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM), the forecast for the coming days is that heavy rains will continue. Log on to http://www.faoswalim.org/subsites/frrmis/flood_mgt.php for more detailed information.

A flood planning scenario developed by OCHA, SWALIM, and FSNAU indicates that in a worst case scenario up to 190,000 could be displaced due to river flooding. The figures were arrived at based on current rain patterns and past flood experience. The clusters will use the figures to plan for response in the coming days.